Research summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile, non-invasive technology that plays a vital role in diagnosing and understanding many human diseases. Engineering and scientific advances in hardware, as well as the development of novel imaging methods, are leading to vast improvements in MRI technologies. The next generation of MRI technology—targeting microstructural (cellular) alterations—will be able to detect and quantify tissue injuries that may be missed or measured poorly with current imaging.
Dr. Christian Beaulieu, Canada Research Chair in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Brain Microstructure, is using these advanced MRI methods to shed light on disorders such as stroke, epilepsy and prostate cancer. He and his research team hope that these higher-quality images will improve both diagnosis and prognosis, and provide insights into the causes, mechanisms and diversity of diseases. Ultimately, these new non-invasive MRI measurements will improve our understanding of the human brain and body so that we can make better use of health-care resources and improve patient outcomes.