SAN JOSE, Calif., April 23 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have developed technology that uses magnetic resonance imaging to visualize nanoscale objects.
The technique developed by researchers at IBM's Almaden Research Center in California, took MRI capability to the nanoscale level for the first time. IBM said the achievement represents a major milestone in the quest to build a microscope that can "see" individual atoms in three dimensions.
Using Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy, IBM researchers demonstrated two-dimensional imaging of objects as small as 90 nanometers. They said such imaging could ultimately provide a better understanding of how proteins function, which in turn could lead to more efficient drug discovery and development.
IBM said the MRFM technology provides sensitivity 60,000 times better than current MRI technology offers.
The scientists said their findings might eventually have a major impact on the study of materials for which a detailed understanding of the atomic structure is essential.
The work is detailed in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
