4 ms·
MRI magnets primarily interact with the nuclear spin of protons, which can align with or against the field. Adjusting the orientation of the spin should not cha
by cvarjas 11y ago
MRI magnets primarily interact with the nuclear spin of protons, which can align with or against the field. Adjusting the orientation of the spin should not change any reaction chemistry, so there is no significant hazard. The nuclear spin orientations shift back into their normal equilibrium once the magnetic field is removed.
The radio waves generated for the technique can cause heating when the energy is absorbed. This should be limited by how the MRI is designed, however I am not familiar with the detailed design of MRI instruments.
More research could be done in this area for very long term effects, but I haven't seen any convincing evidence for concern.
- agumonkey 11y agoHa, thanks for that nice explanation.
- FreeFull 11y agoWon't the strong magnetic field squish the electron orbitals somewhat, causing a minor effect on chemistry? (an even stronger magnetic field would be toxic, in a way)
- refurb 11y agoThere has been a lot of work in the past in terms of doing chemistry in a strong magnetic field. As far as I know, no one has actually seen any difference.
- cvarjas 11y agoThis might be possible but I don't think the effect is significant. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used extensively to analyze molecular structure and monitor reactions. NMR instruments commonly have about 7-14 tesla magnets.
- FreeFull 11y agoYeah, we might not be capable of producing magnetic fields strong enough to noticeably alter the chemistry of anything. I'm not sure at what intensity the effects would begin to be noticeable.
- Retric 11y agoI have read that there is some DNA damage associated with MRI, but I don't see where that comes from. Any ideas? ex: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011003560 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009912011... PS: Ands yes I mean MRI not CT.
- cvarjas 11y agoI agree with the researchers that expanding the sample size should help support whether this effect is substantive. They don't comment on any mechanism of action, and gadolinium contrast agents can be detrimental without an MRI exam.
- totony 11y agoIt does not only change the spin, it can also change the movement of the electrons inside the orbital (oppose manetic field) and when entering a magnetic field the gradient can cause nerve/synapse(?) excitation because of the induced electric field.