The world’s most powerful MRI shows the first images of the human brain

“Keep an eye on our results because they will blow your mind!” » Research Director of the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) Nicolas Boulant is pleased to present on Tuesday morning the first brain images obtained by his “baby”, the most powerful MRI (magnetic resonance) scanner in the world. Iseult, as its name is, is the result of more than 20 years of research conducted by 200 people. “We are a little touched and very happy for all these people who believed and achieved this. This is the start of a new adventure in neuroscience that looks very promising,” rejoices Anne-Isabelle Etienvre, Director of Basic Research at CEA.

Iseult has an unmatched magnetic field of 11.7 Tesla, compared to the 1.5 or 3 Tesla MRIs found in hospitals. The results he gets by “scanning” the human brain within a few minutes are much more accurate. “By increasing resolution and contrast, we can obtain stunning detail of anatomical details such as veins that are unattainable at lower magnetic fields,” describes Nicolas Boulan.

Previous pumpkin images

For 2021, CEA has already revealed the first images… of a whole pumpkin, chosen for its many and varied textures. Its seeds and fibers were clearly visible. This time the volunteers had to remain immobilized inside the magnet.

The ability to study the human brain holds great promise from a research and healthcare perspective. This could allow, in particular, a better understanding of the functioning of neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, etc.) or mental illnesses (schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, etc.). “Lithium is used as a medication to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but its effects are not well understood. Isolde will be able to better understand her role,” illustrates Nicolas Boulan.

Without health consequences? The results of tests – especially physiological tests – carried out on patients scanned by Isolt are encouraging. Before imagining large-scale development of this “super MRI”, developed jointly with the University of Freiburg in Germany, one pitfall remains: its cost. 215 million euros were invested, including 58 million euros for the construction of the central part of the magnet alone.