MRI hydrogen atoms tagged posts

An illustration of aquaporin’s effect on cells. Credit: M. Shapiro Laboratory/Caltech

Knowing which genes are switched on is important for the treatment and monitoring of disease. Now, for the first time, Caltech scientists have invented a new method to link MRI signals to gene expression in cells – including tumor cells – in living tissues. The technique, which eventually could be used in humans, would allow gene expression to be monitored non-invasively, requiring no surgical procedures eg biopsies.

In MRI, hydrogen atoms in the body – atoms that are mostly contained in water molecules and fat – are excited using a magnetic field...