The 3T whole-body MRI scanner (Signa 3.0T GE Medical Systems) provides premium, state-of-the-art imaging and multinuclear spectroscopy. With its superb main field homogeneity, actively shielded magnet, shielded gradients and ultra-fast computing capabilities, it creates new possibilities for clinical imaging/spectroscopy.  This high field unit due to its inherently higher signal-to-noise ratio - double from the standard 1.5 T - offers exquisite image quality and acquisition speed. In practice, this means the visualization of smaller anatomical details, enhanced small vessel definition for angiographic applications, the elimination of motion artifacts and the optimal performance of specialized advanced brain applications such as functional, perfusion and diffusion tensor imaging.  These applications are finding increased utility in pre-surgical mapping, stroke, white matter disease, psychiatric disorders, etc. 

These advantages extend to body imaging including detailed imaging of the prostate and, in the near future, prostate cancer detection and targeted brachytherapy by spectroscopic means. The higher temporal resolution, in particular, is well suited for imaging the cardiovascular system.  Likewise, high-resolution brain proton spectra permit smaller voxels for monitoring the metabolic status of tumors, therapy response and for establishing better prognostic criteria. The multinuclear capability of this advanced imaging device will extend the conventional MR options to include the acquisition of phosphorus-31 spectra (e.g., for monitoring cell bioenergetics) and sodium-23 images (e.g., for stroke studies).