University of Aberdeen, Scotland Commences Research On FONAR Stand-Up MRI; First Major University Center Dedicated to Exploring the New Frontier of Position Imaging

Business Wire, Sept 20, 2002

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2002

FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ-FONR), The MRI Specialist(TM), announced today that the first Stand-Up(TM) MRI in Europe is now operating at the University of Aberdeen, Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen, Scotland, U.K. Francis W. Smith, M.D., a director at the University's new Positional MRI Research Centre, said, "Following our initial applications we have started scanning patients and are very happy with the results we are getting. We are especially delighted with the image quality."

Dr. Smith added, "It is remarkable how the patient table, which raises and lowers the patient, and tilts all the way to the recumbent position, is so straightforward and easy to use. I am also most impressed with the applications support we have received from FONAR."

"We have begun a study to look at the effects of orthotics on the ankle and knee joint. We are also designing a research program in order to establish the normal set of data for a full range of movement using a set of normal volunteers," said Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith, and Professor Malcolm Pope, Ph.D. were the principals on a grant awarded to the University of Aberdeen by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council for exploring Position Imaging(TM) (pMRI(TM)) and researching the changes in body mechanics between the standing and recumbent positions. Dr. Smith added, "Studies of the lumbar spine, hips, knees, foot and ankle joints form the basis of the research program. In addition, the lumbar spine will be studied in a wide range of conditions in both the recumbent and weight bearing positions. FONAR's Stand-Up(TM) MRI will be a centerpiece of our program that will facilitate introducing Position Imaging(TM) into the practice of medicine."

Dr. Raymond Damadian, president and founder of FONAR, said, "It is very significant that the Positional MRI Research Centre is now operating. The University of Aberdeen is among the world's most important research centers. In fact, last year, the University of Aberdeen was designated by the European Union (EU) as one of Europe's centers of excellence in medical imaging. As a research institute, the University of Aberdeen is now in position to confirm what we have seen ourselves, that the effects of imaging with MRI in the weight-bearing position are dramatic and important to the patient and his doctor."

"The impact of weight-bearing on medical imaging has enormous appeal to researchers," continued Dr. Damadian. "Until FONAR invented and introduced the Stand-Up(TM) MRI, medicine was unable to see inside of the body in the weight-bearing state. We are delighted that Dr. Smith, Dr. Pope and the University of Aberdeen will be first to have the opportunity to research the full scope of Position Imaging(TM) in the practice of medicine through the use of FONAR's Stand-Up(TM) MRI."

Be sure to visit FONAR's Web site for Company product and investor information: www.fonar.com

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