Abstract: Described herein is a technique and method for analyzing the protein binding affinity of a drug. The techniques and methods described herein leverage magnetic resonance techniques such as NMR and MRI to make relaxation measurements of an NMR detectable species. In some embodiments, a rubidium polarizer is used to magnetize 129Xe, which is bubbled into a protein solution. The magnetic decay of the hyperpolarized 129Xe is monitored by measuring the T1 or T2 of 129Xe through NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract: A novel approach to magnetic resonance imaging is disclosed. Blood flowing through a living system is prepolarized, and then encoded. The polarization can be achieved using permanent or superconducting magnets. The polarization may be carried out upstream of the region to be encoded or at the place of encoding. In the case of an MRI of a brain, polarization of flowing blood can be effected by placing a magnet over a section of the body such as the heart upstream of the head. Alternatively, polarization and encoding can be effected at the same location. Detection occurs at a remote location, using a separate detection device such as an optical atomic magnetometer, or an inductive Faraday coil. The detector may be placed on the surface of the skin next to a blood vessel such as a jugular vein carrying blood away from the encoded region.