Research Areas (Initiatives)
The Life Science Division mainly focuses on cutting-edge life sciences at every level, from atoms and molecules to cells, organisms, and environments, utilizing high magnetic field and magnet technologies. Much of our research has been initiated by the desire to understand life at its most basic level and to connect the disciplines of biology and physics, but is also driven by their applications. These topics include many of the ‘big questions’ in biology and biophysics, including the magnetic field-induced bioeffects and mechanisms, perception and utilization of magnetic fields by organisms, as well as magnetic field related technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic control (Figure 1).
Figure 1. The life science division mainly focuses on interdisciplinary research about magnetic field and life sciences, including but not limited to magnetobiology and magnetomedicine
Main research contents:
1. Study the structure, function and kinetics of proteins related to diseases. Modify and design protein structures with special functions. Screen and develop small molecules and polypeptide drugs.
2. Investigate the molecular mechanism of animal magnetoreception, migration and navigation with a focus on how animals sense the geomagnetic field. Develop novel toolbox for biological magnetic control.
3. Study magnetic field-induced bioeffects and explore the underlying biological and physical mechanisms. Investigate the magnetic properties of biologic samples. Develop biomagnetism and magnetobiology based applications.
4. Elucidate the key targets and regulatory mechanisms of tumor radiotherapy, construct the clinical precision radiotherapy model. Study the toxicological mechanisms and interventions of extreme environmental health effects.
