Newcastle University

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) in clinical research. These techniques allow us to monitor the body’s physiology and metabolism of in a non-invasive manner, and measure how diseases progression or therapeutic intervention affect tissue and organ function.

The Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre comprises a clinical MR research team (Taylor) and an MR physics team (Blamire), who work closely to research and develop new scanning methodologies, then apply them to solve important problems of human health. We also collaborate with other investigators, from Newcastle University, other UK and international universities and research institutes. We have state-of-the-art magnetic resonance scanners and full facilities for clinical MR research, and associated technical developments. The Centre is located on Newcastle University’s Campus for Ageing and Vitality.

Our clinical research focuses on measuring changes in tissue metabolism associated with disease. We achieve this using a variety of MR techniques including 31P, 13C and 1H MR spectroscopy, blood perfusion measurement, and assessment of tissue microstructure by diffusion imaging. Clinical research projects are performed on our Philips 3T whole-body MR scanner, and preclinical research is performed on our Varian 7T scanner.

Our major research areas are Magnetic Resonance Physics, Diabetes, Dementia, Brain Injury, Liver Disease and Neuroscience.