Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...

Atomic Nuclei: Magnetic Resonance

Atomic Nuclei: Magnetic Resonance

The number of nuclear spins aligned in the lower energy state is slightly greater than those in the higher energy state. In the presence of an external magnetic field, as the spins precess at the Larmor frequency, the excess population results in a net magnetization oriented along the z axis. When a pulse or a short burst of radio waves at the Larmor frequency is applied along the x axis, the coupling of frequencies causes resonance and flips the nuclear spins of the excess population from the...

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes

In the absence of an external magnetic field, nuclear spin states are degenerate and randomly oriented. When a magnetic field is applied, the spins begin to precess and orient themselves along (lower energy) or against (higher energy) the direction of the field. At equilibrium, a slight excess population of spins exists in the lower energy state. Because the direction of the magnetic field is fixed as the z-axis, the precessing magnetic moments are randomly oriented around the z-axis.

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, can include a specialized imaging technique of the urinary system known as Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU). This radiation-free technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images with the help of a computer. MRU is particularly effective for visualizing fluid-filled structures like the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.Applications of MRI in the Genitourinary SystemKidneys and Ureters: MRI detects tumors, cysts,...

NMR Spectrometers: Resolution and Error Correction

NMR Spectrometers: Resolution and Error Correction

When magnetic nuclei in a sample achieve resonance and undergo relaxation, the signal detected in NMR is an approximately exponential free induction decay. Fourier transform of an exponential decay yields a Lorentzian peak in the frequency domain. Lorentzian peaks in an NMR spectrum are defined by their amplitude, full width at half maximum, and position, where the peak width is governed by the spin-spin relaxation time alone. In real experiments, however, the applied magnetic field is rendered...

Applications Of NMR In Biology

Applications Of NMR In Biology

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a very valuable analytical technique for researchers. It has been used for more than 50 years as an analytical tool. F. Bloch and E. Purcell formulated NMR in 1946 and won the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. Biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and organic molecules including pharmaceutical compounds, can be studied using this versatile tool that exploits the magnetic properties of certain nuclei.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Low-field MRI: A report on the 2022 ISMRM workshop.

Magnetic resonance in medicine·2023

Same author

Single shot spiral TSE with annulated segmentation.

Magnetic resonance in medicine·2022

Same author

Selective excitation of hydrogen doubles the yield and improves the robustness of parahydrogen-induced polarization of low-γ nuclei.

Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP·2021

Same author

Cardiovascular brain impulses in Alzheimer's disease.

Brain : a journal of neurology·2021

Same author

Improving the sensitivity of spin-echo fMRI at 3T by highly accelerated acquisitions.

Magnetic resonance in medicine·2021

Same author

Joint Imaging Platform for Federated Clinical Data Analytics.

JCO clinical cancer informatics·2020

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

An evolution of low-field strength MRI.

Juergen Hennig¹

¹Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstr.5a, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. juergen.hennig@uniklinik-freiburg.de.

Magma (New York, N.Y.)

|June 8, 2023

Summary

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved significantly, becoming a viable clinical tool. Advances in hardware, AI, and imaging techniques now support low-field MRI as a valuable supplement to conventional systems.

Keywords:

Low-field MRI MRI MRI history MRI technology Ultralow-field MRI

More Related Videos

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

Published on: December 18, 2016

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla

Published on: January 6, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla

Published on: February 19, 2021

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

Published on: December 18, 2016

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 7 Tesla

Published on: January 6, 2019

Area of Science:

Medical Imaging
Biophysics
Radiology

Background:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology has historically favored high-field systems.
Low-field MRI systems (below 1.5 Tesla) were largely phased out due to signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) limitations.
The evolution of MRI research environments has shifted focus and capabilities over decades.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the evolution of low-field MRI research environments from early development to the present.
To underscore the technological advancements enabling the resurgence of low-field MRI.
To present ultralow-field MRI as an accessible solution for underserved communities.

Main Methods:

Review of historical trends and research environments in low-field MRI development.
Analysis of technological improvements including hardware (magnets, receivers), gradient systems, and sampling schemes.
Integration of advanced techniques such as parallel imaging, compressed sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Main Results:

Significant improvements in hardware and software have overcome previous SNR limitations in low-field MRI.
Modern low-field MRI is now a clinically viable supplement to conventional high-field MRI.
Ultralow-field MRI (around 0.05 T) is re-emerging, aiming for broader accessibility.

Conclusions:

Technological advancements have revitalized low-field MRI, making it a practical alternative.
AI integration is a key factor in enhancing low-field MRI performance.
Ultralow-field MRI offers a promising path to democratize MRI access globally.