Massey University scientists have bought a $3 million "microscope" - a 700MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer - which allows them to study the behaviour of molecules.
The machine will be the first high-field NMR in New Zealand and is said to be the biggest single investment in capital equipment by any
university.
High-field nuclear magnetic resonance is a core technique in the physical and biological sciences and more applied areas. Until now New Zealand has been poorly equipped for observing structural biology at the molecular level - such as in milk proteins.
The equipment is so sensitive its detection ability is equivalent to a person in Palmerston North being able to see an insect on Auckland's Sky Tower fluttering its antennae.
The new equipment will be used by Dr Steven Pascal, who is investigating the part of ribonucleic acid (RNA) responsible for the proliferation of the hepatitis A, foot-and-mouth disease and Sars viruses.
The information may lead to the development of drugs designed to halt the viruses.
A second project under Dr Pascal's direction focuses on Par-4, a cell-suicide protein which triggers the elimination of old or damaged cells, clearing the way for new, healthy replacement cells.
In prostate cancer this suicide signal is shut off, allowing unhealthy cells to multiply unchecked, leading to tumours. In neurodegenerative diseases, the "death" signal is turned on too strongly, leading to the destruction of healthy brain cells.
Professor Geoff Jameson, who has headed the project team to purchase the spectrometer, said it would be a unique facility for New Zealand.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Education
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