Lab product news from York 'could revolutionise MRI'

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be revolutionised by the latest lab product news from the University of York.

Scientists at the educational institution have developed a new method of scanning using MRI which increases its sensitivity significantly.

A £4.36 million grant from the Wellcome Trust and Wolfson Foundation is now part of a £7 million budget for advancing the technology.

The lab product news centres on hyperpolarisation with parahydrogen, a technique developed by University of York researchers and which raises sensitivity levels in MRI scans.

It involves transferring to the scanned molecules the magnetism of parahydrogen, which makes them more visible in the MRI scan.

Research is to focus on developing the chemistry behind the technology, in order to make it suitable for use in medical applications.

University of York scientists are also looking into uses for LCD waste, which they claim may be able to reduce infection rates in hospitals.