This text examines the use of closed-confinement systems known as pinches that are generated by the tokamak machine in plasma research. The Z-pinch uses a current-carrying plasma column confined entirely by its own coloidal magnetic field. The stability of the plasma, which is of the greatest interest in this field, is discussed, as are new areas under examination including neutron anisotropy, ion and electron beam formation, and micropinches (hot spots). Scientists and engineers involved in plasma fusion research should find this work to be of use.