Abiogenesis

Laurel O. Sillerud, 79, is a biophysicist emeritus from the University of New Mexico and an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He specializes in the molecular study of living systems including microorganisms, organs, animals, and man, using non-invasive methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, at the UNM BRaIN Center.

After obtaining degrees in Physics (B.A., M.S) and Biophysics (Ph.D.) from the University of Minnesota, he worked closely with Dr. Robert G. Shulman at Yale University to develop NMR spectroscopic studies of metabolism. He then established and directed the Biomedical NMR Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as well as a Human NMR Spectroscopy laboratory at the Albuquerque VA Hospital and the MRI core at the UNM BRaIN Center. His numerous writings based on his extensive scientific research contribute to the understanding of metabolism, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. In addition, as a result of his vigorous patent activity, he has founded four commercial ventures based on magnetic nanotechnology and NMR and MRI, including Feldmatech and nanoMR, to translate his studies to the clinical diagnosis of human illnesses.