Lauterbur had long been committed to studying chemical structures using nuclear magnetic resonance. After observing that the relaxation time of malignant tissues in mice was significantly longer than that of their normal tissues, he pondered deeply on how to apply this characteristic to non-invasive examination of tumors in the human body in medicine. This led to the idea of using magnetic field gradients for spatial encoding in nuclear magnetic resonance. Through experiments with spectrometers, he laid the foundation for magnetic resonance imaging and continued to research magnetic resonance imaging technology. He regarded scientific research as his life. Seizing opportunities, emphasizing reverse thinking, not fearing criticism, and persisting in innovation — these qualities were important factors in his success.