the development of the fetus can help with the understanding of this and similar disorders, and may lead to preventive treatment that can stop the formation of some birth abnormalities. diagnostic technology is another area for continued research. mri has enabled scientists to see the situation within the spine, including syringomyelia, before any symptoms appear. a new technology, known as dynamic mri, allows investigators to view spinal fluid flow within the syrinx. ct scans allow physicians to see abnormalities in the brain, and other diagnostic tests have also improved greatly with the availability of new, non-toxic, contrast dyes.