Today’s Solutions: November 21, 2024

Traditional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines are expensive, large, and energy-intensive, but a new prototype from Hyperfine could revolutionize the field of diagnostic medicine with the world’s first portable MRI machine. 

Not only is it portable, but the machine is also 20 times less costly, uses 35 times less power, and is 10 times lighter than current MRI machines. A big factor in the new technology is advancements to the machine’s magnet. Traditional MRIs use magnets ranging from 1.5 to 3 Tesla (the unit used to measure their strength), but the new MRI uses a significantly smaller magnet of just 0.064 T.

Researchers from Yale University tested the efficacy of the new technology on 30 hospital patients and found that the device successfully identified a range of abnormalities, ranging from brain tumors to ischemic stroke in 29 of them. 

The new technology means hospitals would no longer need entire rooms dedicated to MRI services. The device could be easily rolled up to a patient’s bedside and run off the power from a wall outlet alone. This would mean lower costs, faster diagnosis, and MRI capabilities in remote areas that previously didn’t have access to such technology.

The machine still requires a few more rounds of testing before it can be officially available to medical facilities, but making MRI technology more accessible means the potential for vastly improved health care all around the world!

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Colombia outlaws child marriage in landmark move

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia made a historic move to protect its youngest citizens by prohibiting child marriage. After nearly two decades ...

Read More

5 pre-holiday decluttering tips for a stress-free season

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays have arrived, bringing with them guests, gifts, and bright decorations. But, before you drape your home ...

Read More

You and your roommates make up your house’s microbiome

Here at The Optimist Daily we commonly write articles about the gut microbiome, its importance to our health, and how we can keep it ...

Read More

How to have an affordable Thanksgiving— even while turkey prices soar

It’s true— turkey prices are on the rise this year. Unlike last year's holiday season, when supply chain and labor issues created ingredient shortages, ...

Read More