Introduction to magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the principles and practice of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Its goal is to equip researchers in the life sciences with a basic understanding of the capabilities and limitations of magnetic resonance techniques, and a command of the terminology used in more technical publications, including the methods sections of this book. Magnetic resonance is extremely versatile, and this introductory chapter attempts to provide an indication of its current range of applications, as well as emerging possibilities. Many of the applications mentioned here are described in greater detail in the later chapters. It is hoped that this introduction may provide some guidance to the reader in navigating the rest of the book, and in identifying ways to exploit magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in his or her own research.