Metamaterial MRI upgrade sharpens brain, eye scans in less time
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Scientists redesigned MRI hardware with metamaterials, enabling existing scanners to produce clearer images of the brain and eye in less time. The breakthrough could improve diagnoses and reduce scan discomfort. The team published findings in Advanced Materials.
The Metamaterial Redesign
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Texas at Austin replaced conventional copper coils in MRI radiofrequency receivers with a metamaterial structure. The new design boosts signal-to-noise ratio by up to 40%, according to the study in Advanced Materials. The metamaterial consists of an array of tiny, precisely spaced copper rings on a flexible substrate.
Clinical Implications
The enhanced clarity allows detection of subtle lesions in the brain and retina that standard MRI often misses. In tests on 20 volunteers, the metamaterial coil reduced scan time by 30% while maintaining diagnostic quality. Lead author Dr. Jane Smith said the technology could be retrofitted to existing 3T and 7T MRI machines without major modifications.
Next Steps
The team is now testing the coil on patients with multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. They plan to submit the device for FDA 510(k) clearance within 18 months. A startup, MetaScan Inc., has licensed the technology for commercial development.
What's Next
The researchers aim to begin a 100-patient clinical trial by early 2027. It remains unclear whether the metamaterial coil will require additional regulatory approval beyond the 510(k) pathway.
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Metamaterial MRI upgrade sharpens brain, eye scans in less time
