High resolution magic angle spinning NMR probe for biological tissue samples

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Funding is requested for a high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe. Compared to traditional NMR probes, the HR-MAS probe provides unparalleled signal sensitivity and spectral resolution. The HR-MAS probe, combined with the high field solid-state NMR spectrometer at Memorial University of Newfoundland, will become a powerful tool in the NMR facility and will benefit the research of many scientists across academic units. The unique technical design of the HR-MAS probe for solid tissue samples results in significantly narrow line shapes (similar to solution NMR experiments!) while maintaining the integrity of the biological tissue sample. The probe will enable funded research led by Dr. Lindsay S. Cahill (early career researcher in Chemistry) to study how chemicals in the brain and placenta change throughout gestation. This information is critical to improve our understanding of brain and placental function and allows identification of molecules that are essential for development of routine diagnostic tests during pregnancy. Dr. Cahill will accomplish these goals by studying brain and placental tissue samples from experimental mice and placental tissue samples from human pregnancies. This work has the potential to significantly enhance women's and fetal health through a better understanding of metabolism.