Por que razão é importante para os materiais
A single MRI machine needs a superconducting magnet cooled by helium, and the contrast agent injected into the patient is a rare earth. Neither has an obvious alternative.
Do que é feito
Todos os materiais →| Material | O que faz aqui | Importância |
|---|---|---|
| Gadolinium crítico | MRI contrast agent | Definição de |
| Helium | Cooling superconducting MRI magnets | Definição de |
| Niobium crítico | Superconducting MRI wire | Definição de |
| Titanium crítico | Implants and instruments | Definição de |
| Barite crítico | X-ray contrast | Importante |
| Cobalt crítico | Radiotherapy sources and implant alloys | Importante |
| Lutetium crítico | PET scanner crystals and cancer therapy | Importante |
| Platinum crítico | Chemotherapy drugs and electrodes | Importante |
| Holmium crítico | Surgical lasers | Presente |
| Silver crítico | Antimicrobial dressings | Presente |
Gadolinium
A rare earth that absorbs neutrons better than almost anything, and that makes MRI scans easier to read.
Helium
The only element cold enough to keep an MRI magnet superconducting, and the only one light enough to escape Earth's…
Niobium
A metal that makes steel much stronger when added in tiny amounts — a few hundred grams per tonne changes the whole…
Titanium
A metal as strong as steel at about half the weight, which does not corrode in seawater or in the human body.
Barite
A very heavy, soft mineral used mostly to weigh down drilling mud so an oil well does not blow out.
Cobalt
A hard, bluish metal that keeps a battery's cathode stable so it does not overheat, and that holds its strength when…