1. An MR imaging system for discriminating between imaged tissue type based on transverse relaxation time (T2), comprising: a signal generator for generating a pulse sequence for T2 preparation comprising at least one B1-independent refocusing (BIREF-1) pulse for refocusing of magnetization of an anatomical region of interest being imaged; a plurality of RF coils for transmitting RF pulses in response to said pulse sequence and acquiring RF data in response to transmission of the RF pulses; and a processing system for processing the RF data to provide a display image indicating different tissue types with enhanced discrimination based on T2 relaxation time difference.