Science Under the Dome: Chemistry Meets Medicine

Making the Invisible Visible in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Matt AllenUsing magnets and radio waves, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows us to see the inside of people and objects without invasive surgery. Consequently, MRI has become an invaluable tool for the diagnosis of many diseases.

The utility of MRI can be enhanced using chemicals called contrast agents that change how water behaves in the magnetic fields. Chemist Matt Allen will present a basic overview of how MRI and contrast agents work followed by a description of how chemistry can influence the future of contrast agents and imaging.

When

Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m.

MRI scanner

Gadolinium on the Periodic Table. Atomic number is 64. Symbol is Gd. Atomic weight, 157.25.

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