ABSTRACT:Inspiration for new NMR experiments can sometimes come from other disciplines, far removed from magnetic resonance. Five disparate examples are presented: optimum weighing strategies, radar technology, Darwin's theory of evolution, quantum computers, and simulation of brain function. The applications range from multiple selective irradiation experiments that retain the multiplex advantage, radiofrequency oscillators that "follow" the magnetic field, a solvent suppression scheme, a pulse sequence for the "universal swap" operation, and "designer" radiofrequency pulses.