Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Extrusion experiment – Following up on the work of Michael Tracey, performed at CSIRO in Australia, we prepared dough systems with physiological levels of physiologically active agents.  The intent was to confirm water-structure breaker and water-structure maker observations of previous work and also demonstrate influence on water-structure of common pharmaceuticals.

We instrumented a food extruder such that we could monitor changes in the energy required to turn the screw as influenced by the dough system.  Although interesting indications were observed, the complexity of dough systems required that extrusions be performed at the same level of dough development, which we had no means to monitor.  We chose a more direct measurement system.

Dilute solutions of various physiologically active agents were prepared and scanned in a medical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit.  Since MRI is influenced by the electronic environment surrounding water protons, it is a fine measure of structure influences.  The results showed differences with agents at very low concentrations.  (Link in process).

Our goal is to understand influences on cancer and healthy cells, and attempt to reduce human suffering with adjunctive therapies which improve cancer treatment.  With a hypothesis that water structure influences are linked to cancer metastasis, it became necessary to know the site of action.  A discussion with a medical researcher (Director of Oncology Research at a well-known cancer center, suggested a controversy whether cellular water was different in cancer and healthy cells.  We both agreed that intra-cellular water with cancer was more water-like (longer t2 relaxation in the NMR, or brighter image in the MRI).  An experiment was designed to resolve this controversy (Link in process), which suggested that both intra and inter-cellular water is influenced by cancer.

Water Structure Changes in Dilute Solutions of Physiologically Active Substances 

Water Structure Differences between Healthy and Cancerous Tissues