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Watch how radio waves and strong magnets combine to create pictures of the inside of our bodies.

These awesome diagnostic tools, powered by strong superconducting magnets, save countless lives with their ability to pinpoint tumors and other abnormalities.

Pack a sack lunch and load up! We're hitting the road to learn how this massive magnet tracks sodium moving through your brain.

This high-field EPR study of the H-Mn²⁺ content in the bacterium Deinococcus Radiodurans provides the strongest known biological indicator of cellular ionizing radiation resistance between and within the three domains of the tree of life, with potential applications including optimization of radiotherapy.

This work investigates a series of oxoiron complexes that serve as models towards understanding the mechanism of catalysis for certain iron-containing enzymes.

Insights into the structure and movement of T cell surface proteins could lead to new ways to fight cancers, infections and other diseases.

High-magnetic-field time-resolved electron magnetic resonance was used to probe the unusual manganese/iron complex that is believed to play a role in the disease-producing activity of tuberculosis “superbugs,” revealing a vacancy in the vicinity of the manganese that is believed to enable a target molecule to bind to the metal ion.

New instrumentation allows electron magnetic resonance experiments to be performed in the lab’s flagship 36 T Series-Connected Hybrid magnet, unlocking exceptionally high-resolution EMR spectra at the highest magnetic fields.

Molecules containing the Earth-abundant metal, titanium, are widely used as catalysts for production of polymers such as polyethylene, polycarbonates and other “plastics”. High-field EPR measurements performed at the MagLab on a series of titanium molecules prepared by the group of Daniel Mindiola (U. Penn) show small but distinct differences among them which will guide future synthetic efforts aimed at making more catalytically useful molecules.

Protein oxidative damage is a common occurrence in a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular disease. Yet, little is known about its contribution to these illnesses. We developed a new technique, utilizing an infrared laser in combination with a mass spectrometer, to selectively identify sites of oxidation in complex protein mixtures. This sensitive and rapid platform may outperform current techniques and thus shed light on the involvement of oxidative damage in each of these diseases.

Molecular fossils of chlorophyll (called porphyrins) more than 1.1 billion years old find suggest that photosynthesis began 600 million years earlier than previously established.

Scientists will be able to apply the technique to characterize similar molecules, helping develop vaccines and drugs to treat bacterial infection.

Precise determination of hemoglobin sequence and subunit quantitation from human blood for diagnosis of hemoglobin-based diseases.

Road asphalt is made from aggregate (rocks) mixed with a "binder” from the residue remaining after extraction of gasoline and oils from petroleum crude oil. Until recently, this binder was thought to be chemically unreactive. Maglab scientists subjected a thin film of asphalt binder to simulated sunlight in the laboratory and used ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry to reveal thousands of new, water-soluble chemicals that could be released into the environment by rainfall.

Researchers share new insights on the role of seasonality in dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition in large Arctic rivers. Researchers share new insights on the role of seasonality in dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition in large Arctic rivers. 

Sunlight can chemically transform plastics from consumer plastic bags into complex chemical mixtures that leach into the ocean. Understanding the impact of plastic pollution requires advanced analytical techniques that can identify transformed plastic molecules in water samples, and requires instrumentation only available at the MagLab.

A new Blood Proteoform Atlas maps 30,000 unique proteoforms as they appear in 21 different cell types found in human blood. The MagLab's 21 tesla FT-ICR mass spectrometer contributed nearly a third of the atlas' proteoforms.

Using the world's most powerful mass spectrometer, scientists have developed a new method to profile complex PFAS mixtures at the molecular level, facilitating future PFAS characterization in support of environmental and human health studies.

New technique could lead to precise, personalized cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

New research shows that high concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coal tar pavement sealants are oxidized into toxic, water-soluble compounds by sunlight and subsequently washed into the environment by rainwater, polluting natural water systems, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and public health. 

Researchers used the MagLab to produce the first clarified map of KRAS proteins in colon cancer tumors. Twenty-eight additional forms of the KRAS protein were discovered, including a new form of the protein (called clipped-KRAS) that does not bind to the cell membrane, instead serving as a kind of on-off switch to regulate cell growth. These findings may help yield future cancer treatments. 

Identification of toxic compounds in drinking water formed through disinfection reveals more than 3500 toxic, chlorinated species that can only be observed by the MagLab's high powered analytical instruments.

The 21T FT-ICR MS instrument enables the molecular characterization of atmospheric hazes - like that on Saturn’s moon, Titan - and water vapor to better understand the evolution of biological molecules in exoplanet atmospheres. 

Combining high-field NMR with infrared microscopy, scientists learned more about how gas diffuses in a novel class of molecular sieves that could one day be used for gas separation.

Three variants of the coral species A cervicornis were found to have unique metabolic signatures that can be distinguished by NMR spectroscopy. Differing levels of the metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide, an important compound that protects against nitrogen overload, can distinguish the three variants studied. Understanding how species vary metabolically, and how that translates to species survival in stressed environments, may help us to establish desirable traits that could help with restoration and other interventions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of mouse models for Alzheimer’s disease can be used to determine brain response to plaque deposits and inflammation that ultimately disrupt emotion, learning, and memory. Quantification of the early changes with high resolution MRI could help monitor and predict disease progression, as well as potentially suggest new treatment methods.

Magnetic resonance of cancer cell metabolism is a novel technique to discern between cancerous and normal liver cells, providing a promising approach for cancer stage progression imaging without the harmful exposure of radiation.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and its progression to more serious diseases will become the main cause for liver transplant in the next 5 years. Here, researchers used deuterium magnetic resonance to study dietary influences on lipid synthesis demonstrating that high fat ketogenic diets significantly slow de novo lipogenesis, a process by which excess carbohydrates are covered into fatty acids and stored as triacylglycerols.

An insect's ability to survive anaerobic conditions (without oxygen) during winter pupation occurs through periodic cycling of aerobic respiration pathways needed to recharge energy and clear waste. The cellular mechanisms at play during these brief near-arousal periods can provide clues to help improve the success in storage and transplant of human organs.

Understanding the organic composition of peat wetland soils can determine whether the carbon sources may be converted into carbon dioxide gas, work that could improve existing climate models and better predict the impact of increasing carbon dioxide to wetland ecosystems.

Using NMR, researchers determined a molecular model of a protein-polymer conjugate, providing new insights into how polymers can be used to make protein drugs more robust.

Special protein-coupled receptors play a role in nearly all physiological responses and are targets for more than 1/3 of all FDA-approved drugs. State-of-the art instrumentation at the MagLab allowed researchers to explore the effects of different lipid compositions on receptor activation, hinting that hereditary or dietary factors may influence the effectiveness of drugs.

Deuterated water (²H₂O) is often used to examine metabolic pathways in humans and animals. However, it can cause toxicity and distort metabolic readings. Here, using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, the researchers showed that a different molecule, ¹⁸O water (H₂¹⁸O), can be used instead of deuterated water to provide similar information without the metabolic distortions.

Scientists can create synthetic imitations of natural polymers, such as DNA, which provide an understanding of how nature works and can confer unique properties to the polymer that enable new applications in biotechnology. Researchers have discovered a new DNA structure can be created by adding a synthetic nucleotide to the DNA sequence. This new structure forms a compact fold that could have significant implications for the use of DNA in chemical sensors and information storage.

With unprecedented sensitivity and resolution from state-of-the-art magnets, scientists have identified for the first time the cell wall structure of one of the most prevalent and deadly fungi.

With advanced techniques and world-record magnetic fields, researchers have detected new MRI signals from brain tumors.

This new technique for mapping out atom placements in the active site of enzymes could unlock the potential for finding new therapeutics.

Combining high magnetic fields, specialized probes, and measurement techniques, this work adds the crucial ¹⁷O nucleus into the study of biomolecules like peptides, proteins, and enzymes. 

A protein modification rarely found in terrestrial animals was discovered in the slime of the velvet worm. This slime, which is projected for prey capture and self defence, turns into strong, sticky, water-soluble fibers. Dynamic nuclear polarization - nuclear magnetic resonance (DNP-NMR) facilities at the MagLab were used to understand the molecular structure of these fibers, work that may inspire the development and production of new classes of sustainable, advanced materials.

We discovered how two important molecules in cartilage, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen, interact at the atomic level. Using advanced NMR technologies, we found that they form "salt bridges" and hydrogen bonds, helping to stabilize cartilage structure. This understanding could lead to better treatments for joint diseases like osteoarthritis and improve the development of synthetic cartilage materials.

Reuse of the MagLab's Ion Cyclotron Resonance facility data improved understanding of protein fragmentation and aided the design and release of new algorithms and software tools. This is representative of a new type of MagLab user: A Data User – who accesses MagLab data from public data repositories to advance independent research goals. 

Datasets of rat brain imaging can be difficult to compare due to the different conditions used to collect them. The Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) Facility participated in a multi-institution study to develop a standardized protocol for functional MRI rat brain datasets, work that will help data be reused effectively to yield new discoveries. 

High magnetic fields are essential for many exciting scientific and industrial applications including next-generation MRI, particle accelerators, fusion, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Here, a Bi-2212 high-temperature superconducting test coil demonstrated robust operation up to 34T, expanding the options for future magnet development pathways. 

High temperature superconducting magnets offer tremendous potential for technological advancements and scientific discoveries, making them essential in various aspects of modern society. This work focuses on a milestone in mechanical reinforcement and overall operation of a Bi-2212 magnet.

Combining tremendous strength with a high-quality field, the MagLab’s newest instrument promises big advances in interdisciplinary research.

Research sheds new light on the formation of harmful structures that can lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

State-of-the-art ion cyclotron resonance magnet system offers researchers significantly more power and accuracy than ever before.

Finding could make pricey, massive scanners a thing of the past.

As head of nuclear magnetic resonance at the MagLab's Tallahassee headquarters, Rob Schurko hopes to expand capabilities and build new magnets.

New insights challenge current understanding of how ion transport through some cell membranes works.

The MagLab and the Bruker Corporation have installed the world’s first 21 tesla magnet for Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry.

Improving technology for research of biomolecules and advancing our understanding of health and disease.

MagLab analysis provides new insight about the molecular composition of velvet worm slime, which has long fascinated scientists because of its remarkable qualities.

MagLab NMR Facility Director Rob Schurko was awarded the Vold Prize for his contributions to the field of solid-state NMR over the past 25 years.

"We're opening up the world at a molecular level to understand how these fires are going to impact us."

Researchers are working to characterize the virus’ envelope protein, or E protein, believed to be key to virus activity.

The first mass spectrum from Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance happened in December 1973. The co-inventor went on to build MagLab’s world-renowned program.

Fuel made from corn harvest waste would reduce greenhouse emissions by 70%.

Researchers at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory are working to learn more about predatory bacteria called BALOs and what role they could play, from the carbon cycle in our oceans to fighting infectious disease.

After years advising the lab as a member of our User and External Advisory Committees, Kristina (Kicki) Håkansson will now lead the MagLab’s ICR facility.

MagLab research works to find and catalog PFAS forever chemicals in our environment.

Research shows the fungus shuffles and rebuilds its cell wall to defend against antifungal drugs.

New tool will enable biological research and bioengineering at a super-small scale, opening the door to improved testing of pharmaceuticals and creation of healthcare nanorobots.

MagLab engineers will develop a new superconducting magnet for high-field nuclear magnetic resonance research.

MagLab researcher Zhehong Gan has been named 2025 recipient of the Gunther Laukien prize for developing advanced techniques to study complex materials using nuclear magnetic resonance.

"Meet the Magnets" is available free to teachers, students, and families everywhere, giving them a behind the scenes look at the world’s largest magnet laboratory

Researcher digs below the coronavirus's membrane in search of another layer of infection-causing proteins. 

For membrane protein expert Tim Cross, solving the structure of a misunderstood protein put retirement on hold.

The virus that causes COVID-19 has thousands of potential drug targets. A global team is on a hunt for the best candidates.

Why do electrons behave bizarrely near the surface of some materials? At the dividing line between two things, there’s often no hard line at all. Rather, there’s a system, phenomenon or region rich in diversity or novel behavior — something entirely different from the two things that created it.

Scientists are using powerful magnets to learn how to better detect, treat and track the second leading cause of death worldwide.

MagLab researchers and doctors at the University of Florida are testing a new MRI technique that can deliver images of the lungs like never before

Used to perform complex chemical analysis, this magnet offers researchers the world's highest field for ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

It's freaking hard to examine proteins closely in their native habitat. With the help of very clever magnet instrumentation, University of Texas scientist Kendra Frederick is up for the challenge.

Andreas Neubauer took the extended stay option during his recent trip to the MagLab. After all, you can't rush art — especially when it's mixed with science.

Paleobiogeochemist (no, that's not a typo) Nur Gueneli put some ancient dirt into our magnets to learn more about the Earth's earliest inhabitants.

ICR technology helps identify new kinds of hemoglobin abnormalities.

Looking for clues on climate change, a scientist digs up the dirt on peat from around the world.

Each day at work, Long, tackles the twin duties of providing administrative leadership for a growing program, and her own scientific research.