Dr. Chris Bidinosti is exploring innovative applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through the physics of superconductivity. His research utilizes an ultra-sensitive, superconducting quantum interference device (or SQUID), to detect the magnetic fields of specially prepared (hyperpolarized) nuclei such as Helium-3, Carbon-13 and Xenon-129. These materials, while biologically inert or benign, offer excellent properties for a variety of MRI applications, such as lung imaging.

“The combined use of hyperpolarized nuclei and SQUID-based detection offers many advantages”, says Bidinosti, “including the possibility of performing MRI in very low magnetic fields.” According to Dr. Bidinosti, with a better understanding of the fundamental physics associated with MRI in the low field limit, new applications could have several practical benefits. “Low-field MRI scanners could be developed that are much smaller than conventional systems, cost less to operate, offer greater patient comfort, and a wider range of diagnostic applications. In particular, operation at low field may allow for an improved measurement of several important physiological parameters, such as the rate of oxygen uptake from the lungs into the blood.”

Most of us have heard of MRI but few fully understand how or why it works. We just know it's a powerful, non-invasive tool in today's medicine -and it's expensive.

MRI provides precise information by detecting electromagnetic signals emanating from atoms in our bodies. The machine creates a strong magnetic field - some 50,000 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field - and the protons in the molecules of our bodies respond to that field. The scanner detects this response, generating images that contrast the various types of body tissue to reveal injury or disease.

MRI is expensive technology because it uses large electromagnets cooled by liquid helium. Typically, the stronger the magnetic field, the faster the scan and the higher the quality of the images produced. However, with today's pressures of cost and demand, it is prudent to explore other applications of MRI technology.

While low-field magnetic resonance imaging won't replace conventional MRI outright, in some applications it may have distinct advantages. Thanks to the work of Dr. Bidinosti and a mere handful of other researchers worldwide, the future may see smaller, less expensive scanners available as diagnostic tools.