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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes01:23

Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Relaxation Processes

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In the absence of an external magnetic field, nuclear spin states are degenerate and randomly oriented. When a magnetic field is applied, the spins begin to precess and orient themselves along (lower energy) or against (higher energy) the direction of the field. At equilibrium, a slight excess population of spins exists in the lower energy state. Because the direction of the magnetic field is fixed as the z-axis,  the precessing magnetic moments are randomly oriented around the z-axis.
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Nuclear Stability03:18

Nuclear Stability

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Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together...
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Additional Subnuclear Structures02:10

Additional Subnuclear Structures

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The eukaryotic nucleus is a double membrane-bound organelle that contains nearly all of the cell’s genetic material in the form of chromosomes. It is rightly called the “brain” of the cell as it shoulders the responsibility of responding to various physiological processes, stress, altered metabolic conditions, and other cellular signals. 
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Additional Subnuclear Structures02:10

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Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency01:11

Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency

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The earth's gravitational field produces a 'twisting force' perpendicular to the angular momentum of a spinning mass (such as a spinning top) that causes the mass to 'wobble' around the gravitational field axis in a phenomenon called precession. Similarly, the magnetic moment (μ) of a spinning nucleus precesses due to an external magnetic field directed along the z-axis. The precession of the magnetic moment vector about the magnetic field is called Larmor precession,...
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Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation01:28

Atomic Nuclei: Types of Nuclear Relaxation

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Nuclear relaxation restores the equilibrium population imbalance and can occur via spin–lattice or spin–spin mechanisms, which are first-order exponential decay processes.
In spin–lattice or longitudinal relaxation, the excited spins exchange energy with the surrounding lattice as they return to the lower energy level. Among several mechanisms that contribute to spin–lattice relaxation, magnetic dipolar interactions are significant. Here, the excited nucleus transfers...
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High-resolution Imaging of Nuclear Dynamics in Live Cells under Uniaxial Tensile Strain
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Forces, fluctuations, and self-organization in the nucleus.

Thoru Pederson1, Megan C King2, John F Marko3

  • 1Program in Cell and Developmental Dynamics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605 thoru.pederson@umassmed.edu megan.king@yale.edu john-marko@northwestern.edu.

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Physics principles applied to nuclear processes reveal current challenges and potential avenues for future research, offering new insights into nuclear organization and function.

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Area of Science:

  • Nuclear physics and biophysics.
  • Interdisciplinary research bridging physics and biology.

Background:

  • The nucleus is a complex cellular organelle with many poorly understood processes.
  • Applying physical laws to biological systems can offer novel perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore nuclear processes through the lens of physics.
  • To identify areas where physics can resolve existing conundrums or drive future discoveries.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical physics analysis.
  • Review of existing experimental data from a physics perspective.

Main Results:

  • Several nuclear processes present physical paradoxes or challenges.
  • A physics-based approach is poised to advance understanding of nuclear organization and dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • A physics-informed view is crucial for deciphering complex nuclear functions.
  • Further integration of physics principles will likely unlock new research directions in nuclear biology.