The human brain has always been a mystery to scientists. Now French scientists have scanned the brain in the world's most powerful MRI scanner. This machine is ten times more accurate in taking pictures of the brain. This new technology can be of great help in understanding brain related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists of France's Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) were the first to scan pumpkin seeds in 2021. After getting permission for human trials, the brains of 20 healthy people have been scanned in the last few months.
This machine is very powerful
Till now the MRI scanners used in hospitals have a power of 3 Tesla, whereas this new scanner can generate a power of 11.7 Tesla. Due to this much power, this machine can take very detailed pictures of the brain. Alexandre Vignaud, a physicist working on the project, says, “We have seen a level of precision in CEA that has never been reached before.” With the new machine, small blood vessels reaching the cerebral cortex of the brain can also be seen. Also the cerebellum can also be seen in a better way.
Even scientists get confused after seeing the picture of brain
France's Research Minister Sylvie Retalio is herself a physicist. He said, “This accuracy is so incredible that it is difficult not to believe after seeing it.” He also said that “This is the first time in the world that a machine has shown the brain in such a better way. “This will help in better identifying and treating brain diseases.”
Diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases will be easier.
With the help of this machine, scientists are trying to understand which areas the brain uses while working. Efforts are also being made to know what changes occur in the brain in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers hope that this new technology will help in detecting these diseases in the early stages, so that treatment can be started sooner.
It will take time for the machine to reach hospitals
In the coming few months, more healthy people will be scanned with this machine. At present, it may take several years for sick people to get scanned. Although this new MRI is not yet ready for use in hospitals, the information obtained from it can be used for better treatment in future.
Photo Credits: Google