Skip to Content

A Better Brain Scanner

February 19, 2008

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that fits the subject’s head like a helmet could speed up brain scans and improve their resolution. Where a conventional MRI machine might have 12 detection coils, the new system instead uses 32 small coils that are closer to the head, yielding a clearer signal. The system can produce more-accurate maps of vital brain areas, so doctors can avoid them during surgery. Eventually, it might also distinguish different types of tumors, aiding treatment decisions.

Product: Siemens coil helmet
Cost: 60,000 to 100,000 euros
Source: www.siemens.com/healthcare
Companies: Siemens

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Geoffrey Hinton tells us why he’s now scared of the tech he helped build

“I have suddenly switched my views on whether these things are going to be more intelligent than us.”

Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives

The workplace tool’s appeal extends far beyond organizing work projects. Many users find it’s just as useful for managing their free time.

Learning to code isn’t enough

Historically, learn-to-code efforts have provided opportunities for the few, but new efforts are aiming to be inclusive.

Deep learning pioneer Geoffrey Hinton has quit Google

Hinton will be speaking at EmTech Digital on Wednesday.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.