Modern simulations could improve MRIs

Published: Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:30:18 EDT

Rice University engineers improve simulations that analyze gadolinium-based contrast agents used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. More efficient simulations could help make better compounds for imaging technologies.

Brain microstructural damage related to cognitive dysfunction and steroid medication in lupus patients

Published: Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:12:06 EDT

Researchers attempted to unravel such mechanisms by adopting non-invasive diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the brains of SLE patients, particularly the white matter, coupled with computerized neuropsychological assessment. White matter lies beneath the grey matter cortex in the human brain and comprises millions of bundles of nerve fibers that transmit signals to different brain regions.

Researchers improve optical tissue clearing method to diagnose cancer

Published: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 17:34:42 EDT

The ability to visualize cancerous tumors and metastatic tissue three dimensionally (3D) can help clinicians diagnose the precise type and stage of cancer, while also informing the best treatment methods. To obtain an even clearer tissue for imaging, a research team based in Japan has tested the effectiveness of specialized hydrogels. Acting as a 3D molecular network, these hydrogels can rapidly remove fats from tissues, which are a factor in tissue opacification, without losing their structure. The material is used in several biomedical devices, including contact lenses.

New method enables 3D microscopy of human organs

Published: Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:57:04 EDT

Researchers have now demonstrated a method by which specific cell types in human organs can be studied with micrometer precision. The method can be used to reveal previously unrecognized alterations in the pancreas, but it can also be used to study other human organs and diseases.

Hysterectomy can be avoided for common gynecological condition

Published: Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:25:23 EDT

Adenomyosis -- an abnormal tissue growth into the muscular wall of the uterus that causes painful cramps and heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding -- is more common than generally appreciated, a review of the literature by gynecologists revealed.

New QIBA profile for knee cartilage MRI

Published: Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:07:32 EDT

New recommendations will help provide more reliable, reproducible results for MRI-based measurements of cartilage degeneration in the knee, helping to slow down disease and prevent progression to irreversible osteoarthritis.

Predicting possible Alzheimer’s with nearly 100 percent accuracy

Published: Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:26:37 EDT

Researchers have developed a deep learning-based method that can predict the possible onset of Alzheimer's disease from brain images with an accuracy of over 99 percent. The method was developed while analyzing functional MRI images obtained from 138 subjects and performed better in terms of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity than previously developed methods.

In a common genetic disorder, blood test reveals when benign tumors turn cancerous

Published: Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:24:12 EDT

Researchers have developed a blood test that, they believe, could one day offer a highly sensitive and inexpensive approach to detect cancer early in people with NF1. The blood test could also help doctors monitor how well patients are responding to treatment for their cancer.

New artificial intelligence tech set to transform heart imaging

Published: Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:19:29 EDT

A new artificial-intelligence technology for heart imaging can improve care for patients, allowing doctors to examine their hearts for scar tissue while eliminating the need for contrast injections.

Light-to-moderate coffee drinking associated with health benefits

Published: Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:56:19 EDT

Up to three cups of coffee per day is associated with a lower risk of stroke and fatal heart disease, according to new research.