Watch: New molecular tags that allow MRI to track diseases in real time!

The new class of molecular tags can enhance MRI signals by 10,000-fold and generate detectable signals that last over an hour.

Image credit: Thomas Theis, Duke University

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Generally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used to track disease-related biomolecular processes, using incredibly expensive equipment.

Now, scientists from Duke University have discovered a new class of inexpensive and long-lived molecular tags that enhance MRI signals by 10,000-fold and generate detectable signals that last over an hour. This could also allow doctors to monitor conditions like cancer and heart disease in real time.

In the following video, scientists illustrate how the new class of molecular tags could allow MRI to track changes in the body as they happen.

Video credit: Wochit News/YouTube

MRI is a non-invasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose and treat medical conditions.