For hospitals, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential when it comes to accurately diagnosing patients with injuries or diseases. While the technology sets the standard for hospital imaging, the machines are large and expensive. That’s why researchers in Spain are looking to make MRI technology more accessible by creating a smaller and more affordable machine.  What Makes The Machine Different  The new machine uses patents from the Instrumentation for Molecular Imaging (i3M) and just became the first MRI machine to take pictures outside of a medical facility. Researchers say this machine is much lighter (just over 551 pounds) and is cheaper, although the exact numbers were not mentioned. The project’s leading researcher, Joseba Alonso of the Spanish National Research Council, says the machine could be taken right to the patient’s home.  The changes are made possible thanks to smaller magnets. Instead of a superconducting magnet, the team used a single magnet that replicates the power of thousands of smaller magnets, like those found in household appliances. Researchers say the only downside is that the magnetic field is weakened and that some images are not as detailed as those found in a normal MRI machine. The weaker field does come with advantages, though. For example, people with tattoos, pacemakers, or who are getting operated on can use the machine. It is also more portable, meaning the machine can be brought to the patients.  The team hopes a string of tests will show how useful the machine can be. After they get their data, they hope the machine will be approved for use in the United States and by the European Union.  Make Your Own Breakthroughs With Apex Magnets Magnets play an important part in all kinds of industries, ranging from transportation to the medical field and beyond. Our collection of magnets at Apex is designed to help you with any job you are working on, too. Whether you need small magnets to hang up your kid’s latest essay on the fridge or our monster magnets to reorganize the garage, we have it all! Click here to explore our collection.