The Weizmann Institute of Science Installs 15 Tesla Ultra-High Field Preclinical MRI System to Further Accelerate Multidisciplinary Research

REHOVOT, Israel - October 18, 2017 - The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, today announced the installation of the Biospec® 15.2 Tesla USR™ preclinical ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument from Bruker. The new instrument is installed in the Daniel Wolf building of the Department of Chemical Research, and is used by the MRI Biosensors laboratory, led by Dr. Bar-Shir, and the laboratory of Professor Neeman, to open new frontiers in molecular and microscopic imaging, adding to the team's existing world-class MRI instruments. 

The new 15.2 Tesla MRI is one of the latest MRI instruments from Bruker to be installed on site in Israel, alongside the Bruker BioSpec 4.7 Tesla MRI and the Bruker 400WB (wide-bore) spectrometer. The instrument will enable multiplexed imaging, not previously available to the institute in its current MRI capabilities, with the aim to develop, optimize, and implement genetically engineered reporter systems for MRI with artificial "multicolor" characteristics. The extremely high spatial resolution of the 15.2 Tesla MRI will increase the number of artificial colors that can be observed, and open new avenues for monitoring biological multiplexity. 

The Weizmann Institute is a world-class institution in MRI research, with specialized capabilities in the Bar-Shir Laboratory and the Neeman Laboratory. The Neeman lab combinescutting-edge preclincal MRI experience with the ability to monitor in vivo biological variables non-invasively in order to track the progression of diseases, such as cancer, or of intervention in the same living animal, which greatly improves biological and translational relevance. The Bar-Shir lab aims to develop new biosensors and tracers for MRI applications by using synthetic chemistry, nanotecnology and molecular biology approaches. Such biosensors will help scientists around the world to study biological events longitudinally and non-invasively in deep tissues of live animals. 

Dr. Amnon Bar-Shir, Department of Organic Chemistry at theWeizmann Institute of Science, stated: "We feel this new installation will be a real game changer for our facility. The new 15T MRI will give us superior spectral resolution and boosts the signal-to-noise ratio for higher spatial resolution and faster measurements. The new instrument will facilitate the research of our world-class team and will reinforce Weizmann's position as one of the premier centers in the world for MR research." 

Dr. Wulf I. Jung, President of the Bruker BioSpin Preclinical Imaging division, added: "We are extremely pleased to partner with the Weizmann Institute and provide the enabling MRI research tools they need to advance the scientific understanding of the biomolecular processes of many diseases, as well as the understanding of advanced bio-materials that will impact many emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches." 

The BioSpec® product series is designed for the emerging market of preclinical and molecular MR imaging and MRI research. State-of-the-art MRI CryoProbe™ technology combined with ultra-high field USR magnets deliver high spatial resolution in vivo at highest stabilty, thus enabling customers to come closer to the molecular and cellular level research they desire. Due to the largest preclinical portofolio of sequences and in vivo optimized measurement protocols, virtually any small animal MR imaging application in life science, biomedical and preclinical research can be conducted. For more information visit: https://www.bruker.com/products/mr/preclinical-mri/biospec

About The Weizmann Institute of Science

The Weizmann Institute of Science is one of the world's leading multidisciplinary research institutions. The driving force and spirit that inspired its scientific activities was Dr. Chaim Weizmann, a world-renowned chemist who headed the World Zionist Movement for many years and served as the first president of the State of Israel. Over the years, the Weizmann Institute has grown with the country and been the source of a number of Israeli milestones. These range from pioneering work in cancer research to building the county's first electronic computer and the first particle accelerator. 

Other Institute firsts include the development and production of Israel's first ethical (original) drug, new computer languages, the solving of the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules involved in health and disease, and many more. The fields range from optics to genetics, from organ transplants from embryonic tissue to the creation of a nano-biological computer. 

Media Contact the Weizmann Institute of Science

Yivsam Azgad
Institute Spokesman
Institute Curator
Director, Department of Media Relations
T: + 972 (0)8 934 3856
E: yivsam.azgad@weizmann.ac.il

About Bruker Corporation

For more than 55 years, Bruker has enabled scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker's high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy, nanoanalysis and industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research, clinical microbiology and molecular pathology research.