The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2003 to Paul C. Lauterbur, Peter Mansfield for magnetic resonance imaging.

Imaging of human internal organs by exact and non-invasive methods is very important for medical diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. 2003 Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine have made original discoveries in the use of magnetic resonance to visualize different structures. Their discoveries have led to the development of modern magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, which represents a breakthrough in medical diagnostics and research. Atomic nuclei within a strong magnetic field rotate with a frequency depending on the strength of the magnetic field. Their energy can increase if they absorb radio waves with the same frequency (resonance). When atomic nuclei return to their previous energy status, radio waves are emitted. These discoveries were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1952. During the following decades, magnetic resonance was used mainly for studies of the chemical structure of substances. In the beginning of the 1970s, 2003 Nobel Laureates made pioneering contributions, which later led to the applications of magnetic resonance in medical imaging. Paul Lauterbur (born 1929), Urbana, Illinois, USA, discovered the possibility to create a two-dimensional picture by introducing gradients to a magnetic field. Analysing the characteristics of the emitted radio waves he could determine their origin. This fact made it possible to build up a two-dimensional picture of structures that could not be visualized by other methods. Peter Mansfield (born 1933), Nottingham, England, further developed the utilization of gradients in the magnetic field. He showed, that the signals could be mathematically analysed, which made it possible to develop a useful imaging technique. Mansfield also showed how extremely fast imaging could be. It became technically possible within a decade. Magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, is now a routine method in medical diagnostics. Worldwide, more than 60 million investigations are performed each year, and the method is still rapidly evolving. MRI is often superior to other imaging techniques and significantly improves diagnostics in many diseases. MRI has replaced several invasive methods of examination and in this way has reduced the risk and discomfort of many patients. (Fig. 3, Ref. 3.).