A revolutionary method of transferring magnetic spin can amplify the sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a thousandfold, according to new research from the University of York.

The new method enables the magnetization of a broad range of molecules–including drugs and organic molecules such as antibodies designed to bind to tumors–so that they can be used as contrast agents.

A broad range of molecules can now be used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, significantly improving MRI sensitivity.

The University of York research enables the magnetization of molecules such as pyridine or nicotinic acid (found in many drugs). These polarized drugs or marker molecules are highly visible in MRI scans.

Gary Green, York Neuroimaging Centre Director: “You might use the technique to polarize the molecule that you know will stick to a brain tumor to see what’s happening with an MRI scan. Currently MRI is not sensitive enough to do this.”