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Indian-American paves the way for MRI being more accurate

Washington: An Indian-American scientist at the Florida State University has collaborated a project that paves the way for producing sharper magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), providing doctors with a highly accurate tool for diagnosing maladies within the body.

Naresh Dalal, the Dirac Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU, has recently conducted experiments with other researchers from FSU, the University of Colorado and the National Institute of Standards and Technology that uncovered unique properties in a molecular magnet — properties that could significantly increase the resolution of MRIs.

The paper, ``Efficacy of the Single-Molecule Magnet Fe8 for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agent Over a Broad Range of Concentration,'' was published in the current issue of Polyhedron, a rigorously peer-reviewed science journal, according to a news bulletin from the University in Tallahasse, Florida.

``There are continual efforts to enhance the level of image clarity found in today's MRI devices,'' Mr. Dalal said.

``MRIs utilise injectable dyes, but those in current use, while easy to manufacture, offer a relatively low contrast. Our experiments show that a class of materials known as single-molecule magnets might produce greater contrast in medical imaging, meaning MRIs would be much more accurate.''

Strong magnet

Mr. Dalal and another FSU researcher, chemistry graduate teaching assistant Vasanth Ramachandran, were able to synthesise a substance known as Fe8 that is one of the strongest magnets known.

``Fe8 is a molecule made up of eight iron ions that form a tight molecular bond. It has a powerful magnetic field, which is obviously important in generating a very clear image with an MRI device. What's more, Fe8 is non-toxic and water-soluble, making it safe,'' Mr. Dalal has said.

PTI

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