Among its many pioneering initiatives, the university’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) research has been a catalyst for transformative breakthroughs in understanding and diagnosing various health conditions for more than 50 years now. Many of these discoveries wouldn’t have been possible without donations from supporters like you.
MRI, an essential tool within the world of modern medical diagnostics, has undergone a transformation in recent years, thanks to the relentless pursuit of innovation by researchers at Nottingham.
“Developments in Nottingham have underpinned the improvement of [MRI] technology over the years,” said Professor Richard Bowtell, Head of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC).
“Technology is still developing, and new things are happening. It’s not a technique which has become frozen. New things are coming through.”
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technology, the MRI research team has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging, enabling unprecedented insights into the human body’s intricate inner workings.
Throughout our Giving Day last year, you may have seen the university’s work with Neupulse on wearable technology. Your generous donations are going to further support this research, which will empower individuals with brain health conditions and give them a choice over controlling their symptoms.
Musician and songwriter Lewis Capaldi paid our university a visit to look at how the wristwatch like device could help him overcome some Tourettes symptoms, which he’s said are heightened before he performs. Lewis found that the device helped immensely and was given a device of his own to take along on the rest of his tour.
Stephen Jackson, Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience Psychology at the University of Nottingham, shares how new research could treat potentially life-changing brain disorders.
“Mental health and brain health issues affect millions of people around the world. In the UK, the NHS is overwhelmed with the numbers of people that they are trying to help, with only 25% of those requiring treatment receiving it. Building on Sir Peter Mansfield’s groundbreaking MRI developments at our university more than 50 years ago, we’re now using MRI to provide solutions for those living with such conditions.
“We think this non-evasive technology could be effective in treating other brain disorders in the near future, such as Parkinson’s disease, tremor, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD and anxiety.
Wearable technology has also expanded at Nottingham with the creation of a scanner that can measure brain function whilst people are standing and walking around. This breakthrough could help better understand and diagnose a range of neurological illnesses that affect movement.