Thomas Lowery

Title: Thomas Lowery: Innovator in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction

Thomas Lowery is a distinguished inventor based in Berkeley, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of medical imaging, particularly through his innovative approach to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). His work has the potential to enhance the way we visualize living systems, providing valuable insights into medical diagnostics.

Latest Patents

Thomas Lowery holds a patent for "Magnetic resonance imaging of living systems by remote detection." This novel approach to MRI involves prepolarizing blood flowing through a living system and then encoding it. The polarization can be achieved using either permanent or superconducting magnets. This technique allows for the polarization to occur upstream of the region to be encoded or at the encoding site itself. For instance, in an MRI of the brain, the polarization of flowing blood can be achieved by placing a magnet over the heart, which is upstream of the head. Alternatively, both polarization and encoding can take place at the same location. Detection occurs remotely, utilizing a separate detection device such as an optical atomic magnetometer or an inductive Faraday coil. The detector can be positioned on the skin's surface next to a blood vessel, such as the jugular vein, which carries blood away from the encoded region. Lowery's innovative approach has led to 1 patent that showcases his expertise in this area.

Career Highlights

Thomas Lowery is affiliated with the University of California, where he continues to advance research in magnetic resonance imaging. His work is characterized by a commitment to improving medical imaging techniques, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Lowery has collaborated with notable colleagues, including David E Wemmer and Alexander Pines. These collaborations have further enriched his research and contributed to the development of innovative imaging techniques.

Conclusion

Thomas Lowery's contributions to magnetic resonance imaging represent a significant advancement in medical technology. His innovative methods have the potential to transform how we visualize and understand living systems.