MR oms in on brain structure changes
Scientists have known that meditation alters brain waves. New evidence suggests that the practice actually changes the brain's physical structure.
Scientists have known that meditation alters brain waves. New evidence suggests that the practice actually changes the brain's physical structure.
Dr. Sara W. Lazar and colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital used MR imaging to assess the cortical thickness of 20 subjects experienced in meditation (Neuroreport 2005;16(17):1893-1897). Study participants averaged 40 minutes of meditation daily.
Compared with controls, meditation participants had thicker brain regions associated with attention, interoception (the automatic monitoring of heart rate or breathing), and sensory processing, including the prefrontal cortex and right anterior insula.
Between-group differences in prefrontal cortical thickness were most pronounced in older participants, suggesting that meditation might offset age-related cortical thinning.
Newsletter
Stay at the forefront of radiology with the Diagnostic Imaging newsletter, delivering the latest news, clinical insights, and imaging advancements for today’s radiologists.
FDA Expands Approval of MRI-Guided Ultrasound Treatment for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
July 9th 2025For patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease, the expanded FDA approval of the Exablate Neuro platform allows for the use of MRI-guided focused ultrasound in performing staged bilateral pallidothalamic tractotomy.
FDA Clears Virtually Helium-Free 1.5T MRI System from Siemens Healthineers
June 26th 2025Offering a cost- and resource-saving DryCool magnet technology, the Magnetom Flow.Ace MRI system reportedly requires 0.7 liters of liquid helium for cooling over the lifetime of the device in contrast to over 1,000 liters commonly utilized with conventional MRI platforms.
