MRI scanners operate by enveloping the targeted area of the body with a powerful magnetic field. In medical environments, the majority of scanners have a field strength ranging from 1.5 to 3 teslas (T). However, the Iseult MRI machine, which produced the aforementioned images, boasts an impressive field strength of 11.7T.
According to IFLScience, the exceptional resolution achieved by the high field strength (11.7T) MRI machine significantly reduces the time required compared to 1.5T or 3T scanners. This remarkable advancement can be observed in the image below, which provides a glimpse of the substantial progress made by this new scanner. It should be noted that although there may be variations in image processing between the 3T, 7T, and 11.7T images, the overall improvement is evident.
When undergoing an MRI, it is crucial to remain perfectly still, as instructed by the technician. Even the slightest movement can result in artifacts (or distortion), causing image blurring and compromising the overall quality of the view. Remaining completely motionless inside a loud and confined MRI tube can be quite uncomfortable, but the discomfort would be significantly reduced if the duration of the scan was only a few minutes instead of an hour or longer.
In addition to its speed, the Iseult MRI scanner provides an extraordinary level of detail, enabling scientists to study both healthy and diseased brains in living individuals with exceptional precision.
The advanced capabilities of the Iseult MRI scanner can offer valuable insights into neurodegeneration in various brain regions, specifically in research related to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This enhanced understanding has the potential to contribute to improved diagnosis methods and provide fresh information in the field.
Employing such a high field strength enables the scanner to detect specific chemical signals that conventional scanners are unable to capture. Lithium, a medication utilized in treating bipolar disorder, is among the chemical signals that can now be observed in the brain using this high-field strength scanner. By visualizing the distribution of lithium, scientists can gain deeper insights into the mechanisms of its action, leading to an improved understanding of its effectiveness.
According to IFLScience, Nicolas Boulant, the project lead and Director of Research at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), expressed enthusiasm about the Iseult project and the vast opportunities it presents. Boulant stated that a new realm of exploration is unfolding, and they are eager to delve into it.
Our objective is to conduct research on neurodegenerative diseases, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, by the years 2026 to 2030. Additionally, we will place significant emphasis on cognitive sciences in our investigations.
The development of this remarkable machine has been a nearly 20-year-long endeavor that engaged a team of over 200 individuals. Their contributions encompassed various aspects such as constructing the magnet, installing the equipment, creating contrast agents for improved image clarity, and devising novel techniques to maximize the capabilities of this high-powered scanner.
The massive machine weighs 132 tons, measuring 5 meters (16.4 feet) in both length and width. It consists of an impressive 182 kilometers (113 miles) of superconducting wires. To maintain optimum functionality, the magnet is cooled using liquid helium, reaching an extremely low temperature of -271.35°C (-456.43°F).
According to IFLScience, Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, expressed immense pride in witnessing the culmination of an extensive 20-year research and development project.
A collaborative effort involving neuroscientists, physicists, mathematicians, and physicians was undertaken to create tools and models aimed at enhancing our understanding of the functioning of healthy and diseased brains. This interdisciplinary collaboration expands the boundaries of exploration in the realm of human brain research.
