Particle Data Platform
Chemistry For Your Life

How do MRIs see inside our bodies, in 3D? (with Claire Caballero)

2/27/20261 hr 9 min

MRIs are loud. They’re huge. They’re magnetic. But what are they actually doing? This week, we bring Claire back to help us connect the dots between NMR (yes, organic chem flashbacks) and MRI. How does a technique built on tiny hydrogen protons turn into a 3D image of your brain? How can it tell the difference between tissue and fluid? Why can’t you bring metal anywhere near the machine?

We ask:
• What are your protons doing inside an MRI?
• How does “magnetic resonance” become an image?
• Why does oxygenated blood matter?
• And how...

Clips

How fMRI Reads Thoughts
Why MRIs Are So Loud
Why It’s Called MRI
The Hidden MRI Danger
Helium Shortage Hits MRIs
Ban Helium Balloons?
From NMR To MRI Clicks
How MRI Sees Water

Transcript preview

First 90 seconds

  1. Speaker 10:00

    The new Strawberry Watermelon Refresher is now at McDonald's. It's made with strawberries and a whole lot of whimsy. It's one of many new drinks, now at McDonald's.

  2. Melissa Collini· Host0:12

    Refreshers contain caffeine.

  3. Speaker 30:14

    You're on a GLP-1, but now you're wondering, "How do I manage my side effects? What do I eat to stay strong?" Because reaching your weight loss goals can take more than meds. That's where Weight Watchers Med Plus comes in. Get access to trusted experts, food plans that work with your body, and habit coaching to keep you on track. Plus access to GLP-1 medication. Get started at weightwatchers.com. All medical services are provided through our affiliated medical group, Weight Watchers Clinic. Medications require eligibility and prescription. Individual results may vary. See site for more details.

  4. Melissa Collini· Host0:45

    Jam, do you remember when we were talking about x-rays not too long ago?

  5. Jam Robinson· Host0:48

    Yes, I do remember that.

  6. Melissa Collini· Host0:49

    Well, have you ever wondered about MRIs?

  7. Jam Robinson· Host0:53

    Yes, I have wondered about MRIs.

  8. Melissa Collini· Host0:55

    Well, MRIs are very chemistry heavy- Mm ... but I have never taken a specific class in MRIs, so I thought it would be a good idea to get an even expertier expert to come and talk to us about MRIs.

  9. Jam Robinson· Host1:12

    Nice. Where will we find someone like this?

  10. Melissa Collini· Host1:14

    Oh, actually, I have someone right over here.

  11. Jam Robinson· Host1:17

    Whoa [laughs].

  12. Melissa Collini· Host1:18

    [laughs] Claire, we're bringing back our, probably the most popular guest ever, Claire.

  13. Claire Caballero· Guest1:25

    Yeah.

  14. Melissa Collini· Host1:25

    Welcome back.

  15. Claire Caballero· Guest1:27

    Hello. Hi.

  16. Melissa Collini· Host1:27

    So are you ready to teach us all about MRIs?

We value your privacy

We use cookies to understand how you use our platform and to improve your experience. Click "Accept All" to consent, or "Decline non-essential" to opt out of non-essential cookies. Read our Privacy Policy.