415 Research Group Web Pages Magnetic resonance is an astonishingly powerful and versatile technique for studying the structures, motions and reactions of molecules. In a huge variety of different forms Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Spin Resonance techniques are of central importance in physics, chemistry and biochemistry. The interests of the group fall into three areas, in each of which Part II, D. Phil. An unbiased search through the astronomical number of conformations available to a protein molecule would result in folding that took place on a geological timescale.
Most small proteins fold in seconds.
A laser-induced photochemical reaction in the NMR sample is used to modify the NMR intensities of aromatic groups on the surface of the protein molecule. 1H frequencies are used for this work. This research is a collaboration with Prof. C. M. Dobson, supported by the Oxford Centre for Molecular Sciences. Chemical effects of magnetic fields Chemists have long been fascinated by the possibility that magnetic fields could influence the rates and yields of chemical reactions, not least because of recent worries about the possible harmful effects of electrical transmission lines and mobile phones. In collaboration with Prof. K. A. McLauchlan and Dr C. R. Timmel, we have recently embarked on an experimental and theoretical study of both static and oscillating magnetic fields on free radical reactions.