Department of Physics and
Physical Oceanography
Colloquium
“Magnetic resonance imaging: making
the invisible visible”
Dr. Tamara Branca
Department of Physics and Astronomy, UNC School of Medicine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a mature non-invasive diagnostic technique
that has the potential to image some events at the cellular level. With the aim to
develop this capability we are investigating non-linear MR effects that come from
previously ignored “multiple quantum transitions”. I will discuss the physical
origin of this signal as well as some of the unique features that enable us to use it
to enhance tissue contrast, to acquire high resolution spectra in vivo, to measure
tissue structure on a distance scale that is "invisible" to conventional MR methods,
and finally to accurately measure tissue temperature. I will also present our most
recent work in which we use hyperpolarized xenon gas as an MR contrast agent.
We have used this technique to detect fatty tissue metabolism and to measure
tissue temperature with a sensitivity much higher than what is currently possible
with conventional 1H MRI techniques.
Friday, February 21, 2014
2:00 PM
DeLoach Hall, Room 212