Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for concurrently acquiring two sets of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image data during the same image data acquisition interval in which the magnetic field associated with acquisition of the first data set is caused to differ from the magnetic field associated with acquisition of the second data set. The method includes repeatedly changing the magnetic field in a pre-determined manner during the continuous acquisition of image data comprising the two sets. The relationship between the differing magnetic fields, most preferably the relationship between differing gradient fields, is then be employed in conjunction with the first and second data sets to correct image distortions arising in images constructed according to the data in either set alone.

Abstract: The present invention features a multi-bladed cutter and a cradle adapted to grip a tissue sample 10 during cutting. The cutter has a series 4 of juxtaposed blades 5 and the cradle has a series of slits 13 adapted to receive the blades during cutting. The cradle may have opposing curved walls 8,9 which may be brought together to clasp the sample. The apparatus is suitable for cutting tissue such as prostate tissue, which is difficult to section. The apparatus is particularly suited to cutting tissue where chemical fixing is undesirable because nucleic acids are to be sampled from the tissue.