The World’s First MRI of a SINGLE Atom Is Here, and It Could Revolutionize Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging is nothing new, but scientists were able to perform an MRI on a single atom. But how?

Scientists recently captured the smallest MRI ever while scanning an individual atom. The technique successfully reached a breakthrough level of resolution in the world of microscopy, the detailed MRI can reveal single atoms as well as different types of atoms based on their magnetic interactions.

This breakthrough has potential applications in all kinds of fields, like quantum computing where it could be used to design atomic-scale methods of storing info or when it comes to drug development, the ability to control individual atoms could potentially be used to study how proteins fold and then lead to the development of drugs for diseases like Alzheimers.

In a sense, the researchers combined a version of an MRI machine with a special instrument called a scanning tunneling microscope, which turned out to be a match made in microscopy heaven.

An MRI scanner creates an extremely strong magnetic field around whatever it’s trying to image, temporarily re-aligning the protons in your body with that magnetic field. Then the MRI machine pulses the sample (or patient) with a radiofrequency, which pulls the protons slightly out of alignment with the magnetic field. And after the brief radiofrequency pulse is over, the protons snap back into alignment with the field, and the energy that’s released as the protons move back into place with the magnetic field is what is detected and visualized by the machine.

And a scanning tunneling microscope is used for imaging really tiny surfaces, and it can pick up certain properties like size and molecular structure.

So, take the classic MRI, add a scanning tunneling microscope and you’ve got yourself the world’s smallest MRI machine.

Scientists used the magnetized microscope to scan a metal wafer of iron and titanium, and while a magnetic field was applied to the wafer, a radiofrequency pulse was activated and deactivated making the electrons emit energy that could be visualized.

So what does this kind of breakthrough really mean, how is it a step up from previous attempts to capture images of tiny things, and what does it look like? Find out more on this episode of Elements.

#MRI #Atoms #Breakthrough #Seeker #Elements #Science

Read More:
Scientists perform world's smallest MRI on single atoms
"Scientists attached another spin cluster to the microscope's tip and passed it over the atomic sample. Like magnets, the spins of the atoms and clusters attracted and repelled each other as the cluster passed from one side to the other. By imaging the magnetic interaction, scientists were able to create an MRI of the individual atoms."

Scientists Took an M.R.I. Scan of an Atom
"The tip of a scanning tunneling microscope is just a few atoms wide. And it moves along the surface of a sample, it picks up details about the size and conformation of molecules."

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
"MRIs employ powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic field that forces protons in the body to align with that field. When a radiofrequency current is then pulsed through the patient, the protons are stimulated, and spin out of equilibrium, straining against the pull of the magnetic field. "

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[fauzulazim]

A bunch of atoms finally can see what a single atom looks like... WOW!

[greyareaRK]

Give it to me straight, Doc. Are my protons misaligned?

[willswenson]

In 2019 alone, humans have taken a "picture" of both a black hole and an atom. Imagine what's to come in 2020

[QNSScience]

Thanks for featuring our research! We love how the video turned out.

[sebastianelytron]

What did the doctor say to the MRI machine?




"You're testing my patients!"

[masterimbecile]

All the single atoms (all the single atoms)
All the single atoms (all the single atoms)
All the single atoms (all the single atoms)
Put your spins up!

[FishcatGames]

that was the best explanation I've heard of how an MRI works

[phoboss]

What they might see one day when they zoom in too much:


"please enter password to edit: "

[commentguy]

Somewhere in the universe, a quantum entangles atom feels violated.

[rohilkuhad]

Atom: I'm too small to be seen
Scientists : lol

[catalinacurio]

Is so exciting! I want to go to sleep and wake up in a 100 years!! Feel like I'm going to miss out...

[FacterinoCommenterino]

Today's fact: The DNA in a person's body, when uncoiled, can stretch from Pluto to the Sun and back.

[Sandrosian]

Yeah thats great and all but I want to know if the atom is alright. Did the doctors find anything concerning?

[evansokolson]

Should’ve titled the video “...Might Revolutionise Imaging”


Hahaha. Get it?

[stanmakrushin]

These kinds of things never fail to amaze me

[ryran]

I feel like 2020 was the first time I noticed public figures mistakenly saying "unpresidented" when they were trying to say "unprecedented". Never expected to hear it on Seeker though. ... Perhaps I'm just crazy.

[czmmt]

I always thought the MRI inverts the polarity and the return to original phase gives off a radio signal. Oh well.

[aiyhavnouneim]

Atom: *you can't see me*
Scientists: *I'm gonna do what's called a pro gamer move*

[krakenmahboy]

Love the explanation of how an MRI works; what a world we live in, where such magic happens and people generally have no idea.

[ajmalabidinnur]

Last year: picture of an actual blackhole.
This year: picture of an actual atom.
I like it!