Magnetic Resonance imaging is now one of the prevalent techniques in the modern clinical field. This process uses strong radio waves and magnetic fields to produce the accurate image of interiors of our body. MRI scan is most effective for scanning our brain, breasts, bones, joints and hearts. However, most of us do not know about the earlier model of MRI scanner and its inventors. Recently, we have found the release of an interesting image of cardboard model of MRI scanner. The image shows how Sir Peter Mansfield, one of the inventors of this technology, used a cardboard tube for the imaging process.
Inventing the MRI scanner
Before discussing on the image, we need to tell you about the origin of MRI scan. When it was 20th Century, Edward Purcell and Isador Rabi worked on NMR signal. However, on the later part of this 20th Century, Paul Lauterbbur and Sir Peter Mansfield discovered the way of creating imaging from NMR signal. They invented the MR imaging for scanning human body. Mansfield has also constructed the MR scanner that is different from the modern scanner design.
Sir Peter Mansfield was one of the members of the team of scientists of University of Nottingham. With the sincere efforts, Mansfield and other fellow scientists created MRI to generate clear 3D photos of internal organs of our body. In the year, 1978, Mansfield was first to apply MRI scanning technique for full body. He also proved that there is no risk to undergo this scanning process.
University of Nottingham restoring the research data
After the death of Mansfield in 2017, we have found the image of early model of MRI scanner. This image reveals the history of this scanning machine. Moreover, it proves Mansfield is lying inside the cardboard model to test out the system. It shows us how those MRI machines used magnets. The University of Nottingham claimed that it has browsed through lots of slides, papers, photos and films. By using the slides (33mm) of the first human body MRI Scan, it has created digital photos.
The precious collections, uncovered after the death of Sir Peter Mansfield, also include audios, research papers, patents and notes on the inventions. Mark Dorrington had taken the responsibility of looking after the manuscripts. According to Dorrington, University of Nottingham had made a significant effort for developing MRI. The image, unfolding the story of MRI imaging, is one of the fascinating things to us. Dorrington has preserved the legacy, which would surely retain its value in future. The image clearly reveals how the researchers have caused the development of MRI scanning technology.
More about Sir Peter Mansfield
Sir Peter, born inSouth London (Lambeth), turned out to be a physics lecturer in the University of Nottingham in 1964. He holds this position for 30 years until he retired. In the year, 2003, he won Nobel Prize with other scientists in Medicine or Physiology for inventing the MRI scanner. Modern MRI machines look different from their early versions, and the image works as the proof of the first models.
