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Little effects -- such as the magnetic field
generated by a lone hydrogen atom inside a large
molecule -- can have big implications.
In the case of nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), this small
magnetic effect has allowed scientists to analyze
the structures of numerous compounds to a high
degree of accuracy. It is among the most important
analytical tools in the arsenal of the working
chemist and biologist.
Recently, however,
chemistry professor Warren Warren detected a
significant omission in the 50-year-old theory
underpinning NMR. (photo by Susan Geller) This
discovery results not only in improvements in the
lab, but also in the magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) techniques doctors use to scan for
tumors.
More...
• Department
of Chemistry
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