2.5 Body imaging
Innovations in body imaging are transforming health outcomes by enabling earlier, more accurate diagnoses and less invasive procedures, and when paired with AI, is shifting medical care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
Full Body MRI
A whole-body MRI can screen for multiple conditions at once, including brain abnormalities, early-stage cancers in organs like the liver and kidneys, and cardiovascular issues like aneurysms. For individuals with a family history of certain diseases or those interested in proactive health management, this technology provides a detailed internal snapshot. Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated examinations. However, its use is debated because it can reveal incidental findings—abnormalities that may be benign—leading to unnecessary anxiety, follow-up tests, and potential over-treatment, as well as the financial implications. There are no large-scale studies showing net benefit from the use of regular full-body MRI scans for early detection of disease.
Brain Activity Mapping
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): measure brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, helping to map brain function in real-time. This can aid in diagnosing conditions such as epilepsy, strokes, and brain tumors.
Electroencephalography (EEG): measures the brain’s electrical activity and is now being used with more advanced algorithms to identify subtle patterns that may be early biomarkers for diseases like Alzheimer’s. This non-invasive approach is crucial for early detection, as it allows clinicians to see how neurons are responding to disease-causing factors, potentially years before clinical symptoms appear.
Its use is also expanding beyond clinical conditions to the pursuit of “brain optimization,” whereby technologies are applied to improve cognitive function, enhance focus, and reduce stress in healthy individuals. The fundamental principle is that by measuring and mapping the brain’s electrical activity, an individual can gain insights into their own neural patterns and, through targeted training, learn to influence them. This personalized approach aims to give individuals a proactive tool for cognitive enhancement, much like an athlete uses a heart rate monitor to train their physical body.
For example, the company WAVi uses a wearable, consumer-friendly EEG headset and translates raw brainwave data into a simple, understandable “Brain Score” made up of several metrics, including processing speed, focus, and mental clarity (WAVi). The core value proposition is the ability to track these metrics over time, allowing users to see how lifestyle changes, meditation, or specific brain training exercises impact their brain’s performance. For example, if a user wants to improve focus, the WAVi platform might provide real-time audio or visual cues that signal when their brain is producing brainwave frequencies associated with concentration (e.g., beta waves). By receiving this feedback, the user can learn to consciously or subconsciously “train” their brain to sustain that state for longer periods.
Other Innovations in Body Imaging
Other emerging technologies are enhancing diagnostic capabilities across the board. Hybrid imaging systems like PET/CT and PET/MRI combine functional imaging (showing metabolic activity) with anatomical imaging (showing structure) to provide a more complete picture of a disease. For example, a PET/CT can detect cancer by showing areas of high cellular activity and then pinpoint their exact location.
Another innovation, diffuse optical imaging, uses light waves to create 3D pictures of tissues, and is being studied to help differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue in areas like the breast and brain. These innovations, combined with AI for image analysis, are making diagnostics faster, more accurate, and more informative than ever before.