Better MRI Thanks to Quantum Physics

German start-up NVision wants to revolutionize Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with its hyperpolarization technology (MRIs pick up on nuclear spins). The company creates and ships abnormally-strongly spin-polarized parahydrogen. Medical centers can use this to transfer to spin polarization on benign substances that can be injected into patients bloodstream. A particular good substance, for example, is pyruvate, which cancer cells like to consume. Because of the strong spin polarization, the MRI signal can be enhanced up to 100,000 times. This advancement could enable doctors to quickly assess the effectiveness of cancer treatments and detect tumor growth within days rather than months. The technology has been tested for safety and efficiency in cancer research centers and is ready for application. The company hopes to ship its first products next year.

Industry Knew Forever Chemicals are Toxic but Kept Mouth Shut, New Study Reveals

Check out my newest episode of science news here. 

Today we talk about a new search for dark matter, how to navigate with quantum effects, why amino acids are left-handed, medical tests in a cave, the Roman space telescope, a new record for optical fibres, a water plume on Saturn’s moon, forever chemicals, and of course, the telephone will ring.

Europe Might Face Metal Shortage

A major survey led by the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, on behalf of the European Commission, supports the worry that Europe might soon be running out of critical metals for electric cars. These metals, such as dysprosium, neodymium, manganese, and niobium, are essential for components like electric motors and electronics. However, they are scarce, imported, and poorly recycled. The survey warns that the lack of availability of these metals could delay the transition to electric cars and other environmentally sustainable technologies. Press release here. Report here. 

A New Health Indicator That Goes Beyond Disease

A team of researchers from Switzerland has proposed a better way to measure health and well-being that doesn’t just label some people as ill and others not. Their concept, which they dubbed “human functioning,” captures the multi-dimensional nature of our everyday health experience, our physical and mental well-being, and our capacity to engage in activities that matter to us. The researchers argue that human functioning can complement the traditional biomedical approach with relevant information that is currently missing from diagnoses. Summary here. Paper here.

Conversations With Joe

I had a lovely conversation with Joe Scott about mathematics, science communication, YouTube, and many other things

In this week’s video, I explain why I don’t believe in free will. Whenever I talk about this, people rush to joke that I couldn’t have done otherwise. It’s very predictable…

Support Sabine on Patreon!

Join the discussion on Patreon where you will find transcripts of our videos with links to references.