Top Story: UMN researchers develop portable MRI on track for human trials

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new kind of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine that produces images similar in quality to a standard MRI that takes up half the space. The new machine separates into four pieces and fits into the bed of a truck, making it accessible to those who live in areas that may not have access to regular MRI scanners.

Dr. Michael Garwood, associate director of the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research at the University of Minnesota Medical School, said 90% of the world’s population does not have access to an MRI machine. “This is the motivating factor for all this work, there’s just not enough MRIs. You can’t access 90% of the world’s population with it and it’s time to do something about that,” he said.

The machine looks like a hooded hair dryer from a salon that only scans the head. The patient sits in the chair and is raised until their head is fully under the dome. There is also a strip of glass at eye level for the patient to look out of during the procedure, to prevent feelings of claustrophobia. Garwood says they hope to begin controlled, human trials within the next two months.

You can read more about the research team’s work here.