Until now,radioactive substances have been used to map glucose metabolism in the brain.

Now,a new magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) method developed by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna(Vienna,Austria; www.meduniwien.ac.at) that utilizes a harmless glucose solution can provide reliable results and is compatible with most MRI scanners.

The researchers examined and substantially improved the existing deagnostic methods for mapping brain glucose metabolism.

However, additional studies will be needed to confirm the findings before this less-invasive technique can be implemented for patient benefit.