Ultra-low Field MRI

 An Ultra low field (ULF)  prototype magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that does not require heavy shielding and is much quieter than commercially available MRI scanners was developed by Wu et al in the University of Hong Kong.  The prototype system described in Physics World has 0.055 Tesla permanent samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnet with a 29x70 cm gantry for patient access. Costing an estimated $20,000 to build, it would be significantly less expensive that the MRI scanners in use today which cost between $1 and $3 million.  The researchers hope that the ULF scanner, which can be plugged in a typical wall outlet, although it generates a magnetic field of a much lower strength than those produced by clinical MRI machines in use today might one day bring this valuable clinical tool to 70% of the world's population that does not have access to MRI imaging and thus improve global access to neuroimaging.