The provincial government is helping a group of MUN researchers purchase a unique piece of medical equipment to advance studies into certain diseases.

The province is chipping in over $450,000 towards the purchase of the machine that can assist in identifying the origin of osteoarthritis, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Researchers hope to make significant breakthroughs on how to treat and possibly prevent some conditions.

The machine, which is not widely available in Canada, will become a staple at Memorial University’s Core Science Facility with up to 25 medical students and professionals planned to make use of it.