Magnetic resonance imaging: progresses and perspective

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as one of the most important imaging methods is widely used in clinical diagnosis and basic life science research, with advantages including noninvasiveness, high/multiple soft tissue contrast, parametric imaging and the richness of information. During recent years, there have been many advances in the instrument technology and biomedical application of MRI. Advanced techniques, such as ultra-high field, ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive imaging, are now available for routine clinical usage and research settings. Also, the MRI technology is rapidly developing via incorporating with multiple cutting-edge disciplines including big data technology, artificial intelligence and theranostics. Currently, MRI is playing an indispensable role in tumor molecular imaging, functional brain imaging and brain connectome studies. This paper introduces the history and basic principles of MRI, and summarizes the important problems in the research of MRI instrument, methodology and application, providing a perspective on the directions of future MRI research in China.