Nuclear magnetic resonance

In 1973 Lauterbur suggested a method of applying NMR to an image formation scanner in a way analogous to the use of computer-controlled tomographic scanners. The publication in 1978 of recognisable human images aroused interest in medical circles for two reasons: the technique was harmless to human beings, and could provide information on the structure of biological tissues. The development since then in the UK of NMR imaging for use as a biomedical diagnostic tool is reviewed. (D.J.B.)