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Microscopy technique reveals cells' 3D ultrastructure in new detail

A new microscopy technique, cryo-SR/EM, combines images from electron microscopes and super-resolution light microscopes to reveal the intricate 3D structure of cells. This allows researchers to study the relationships between cellular structures and their surroundings with unprecedented clarity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2020

Decrappifying brain images with deep learning

A team of researchers, led by Uri Manor at the Salk Institute, used deep learning to develop a new approach for super-resolution microscopy. By training a neural network on high-resolution images, they were able to improve the resolution of microscope images, enabling better understanding of brain cells and their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJan 8, 2020

A self-cleaning surface that repels even the deadliest superbugs

Researchers at McMaster University developed a self-cleaning surface that can repel all forms of bacteria, preventing the transfer of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in medical settings. The treated material is also suitable for food packaging to prevent bacterial contamination, such as E. coli and Salmonella.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 13, 2019

Freeze frame: Scientists capture atomic-scale snapshots of artificial proteins

Researchers at Berkeley Lab successfully image the atomic structure of peptoid nanosheets using cryo-EM, a breakthrough that could advance applications such as synthetic antibodies and self-repairing membranes. The study demonstrates unprecedented atomic precision and paves the way for designing soft materials at the atomic scale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A close look at a sticky situation

New research published in PNAS finds the missing link between soft surface adhesion and the roughness of the hard surface it touches. The study reveals that small-scale roughness can create more surface area for soft materials to grip, explaining predicted adhesion behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019

Malaria pathogen under the X-ray microscope

Scientists used X-ray microscopy to study the digestive process of malaria parasites, revealing that they store hemoglobin in their digestive vacuole. The parasites then crystallize toxic hemozoin molecules, which active compounds may prevent from forming by disrupting their detoxification process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2019

Decoding plant chatter could lead to stronger crops

Researchers aim to leverage quantum dot technology to understand how living things conduct internal communications and send messages to other organisms. They will track the movement of extracellular vesicles and their cargo using quantum dots, which offer superior brightness and stability.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 29, 2019

Cracking the mystery of nature's toughest material

A team of researchers has revealed how nacre, the rainbow-sheened material lining mussel shells, achieves its remarkable hardness and resilience. By studying the nano-engineering process, they found that combining microscopic 'bricks' of aragonite with organic mortar enables strength without losing resilience, setting it apart from hum...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Novel technique helps explain why bright light keeps us awake

Researchers at Salk Institute and UC San Diego developed a novel technique to trace neural connections, enabling them to understand how brain responds to light signals. They found that different time scales affect how neurons communicate with the retina and brain regions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 15, 2019

'DNA microscopy' offers entirely new way to image cells

Researchers have invented a new type of microscopy called 'DNA microscopy' that can image cells at the genomic level. This technique uses DNA bar codes to pinpoint molecules' relative positions within a sample, allowing scientists to build a picture of cells and amass enormous amounts of genomic information.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019

A chemical approach to imaging cells from the inside

Researchers developed DNA microscopy, a technique that maps cells by encoding spatial information using chemical reactions. This approach enables the visualization of biomolecules such as DNA and RNA in their native environments, revealing complex interactions between cells.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·DateJun 20, 2019
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

How to catch a magnetic monopole in the act

A research team created a nanoscale 'playground' on a chip to simulate the formation of exotic magnetic particles called monopoles. The simulation follows 'ice rules,' allowing north or south poles to move freely, mimicking real-world magnetic behavior.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2019

Nano-droplets are the key to controlling membrane formation

Nano-droplets play a crucial role in controlling the formation of membranes, a process that can be manipulated to create new nanomedicines. This discovery has significant implications for the development of targeted cancer treatments by encapsulating medicines in liposomes.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2019

First-of-their-kind 3D experiments shed new light on shape memory alloys

Shape memory alloys are underutilized in commercial applications due to limited understanding of their internal microstructures. Researchers used novel 3D X-ray microscopy techniques to visualize these structures, revealing surprising results that shed light on decades-old areas of contention in SMA micromechanics. The study's findings...

SourceColorado School of Mines·JournalScripta Materialia·DateFeb 13, 2019

Mapping the brain at high resolution

Researchers have developed a new way to image the brain with unprecedented resolution and speed, revealing individual neurons and their connections. The technique combines expansion microscopy with lattice light-sheet microscopy, allowing for rapid imaging of large volumes of brain tissue.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Three-day imaging captures hi-res, cinematic view of fly brain

A team of scientists has captured a high-resolution, three-day image of the fly brain using expansion plus lattice light-sheet microscopy. The new imaging technique allows for rapid 3D images of brain tissue with details as small as 60 nanometers across.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2019

Scientists confirm that chromosomes are formed by stacked layers

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have confirmed a surprising structure of chromosome DNA using cryo-electron microscopy. The study shows that chromatin forms multilaminar plates in mitotic chromosomes, providing insight into the compact and protected structure of genomic DNA during cell division.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 8, 2019

Buzz! Slap! Ow! Taking the virus out of a mosquito's bite

Scientists visualized a real virus with a three-dimensional model to track its movement within a mosquito's body. The study found that the virus leaves the midgut within 32-48 hours, revealing a narrow window for prevention. Researchers aim to inhibit genes involved in virus release to prevent future transmission.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalViruses·DateDec 12, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists bring polymers into atomic-scale focus

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley create high-resolution images of individual atoms in synthetic polymers, revealing 35 arrangements of crystal structures. The discovery could inform polymer fabrication methods and lead to new designs for materials and devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMacromolecules·DateNov 12, 2018

External structure can affect the function of enzymes

A study published in Communications Biology found that changing an enzyme's surface density can alter its ability to bind different substrates. By swapping single components on the surface, researchers were able to convert one enzyme into another, with implications for biotechnology applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 6, 2018

ERC Synergy grant with HZB participation

An interdisciplinary team will create a novel X-ray microscope to analyze bone microstructure in living individuals, enabling the study of osteoporosis and its progression. The '4D+ nanoSCOPE' will make it possible to monitor bones over time and assess the effects of aging and other factors on bone health.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·DateOct 23, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Electron microscope provided look inside the organic chemical reaction

Researchers at Zelinsky Institute successfully observed an organic catalytic reaction in a liquid medium using electron microscopy. The study demonstrated the possibilities of employing nanostructured reagents in organic synthesis and provided insights into the reaction mechanism and its potential practical applications.

SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2018

Understanding catalysts at the atomic level can provide a cleaner environment

By studying materials down to the atomic level, researchers have found a way to improve catalytic efficiency and reduce environmental impact. They used advanced electron microscopy and computer simulations to optimize atomic spacing in metallic nanoparticles, leading to more energy-efficient catalysts.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2018

Chinese researchers discover how bird feathers resist tearing

Bird feathers have been found to resist tearing due to a sophisticated cascaded slide-lock system, composed of flexible hooklets and spines. This discovery overturns centuries-old explanations and provides insight into the design of smart textiles.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

Study: Kidney stones have distinct geological histories

A new study reveals that kidney stones are built up in calcium-rich layers resembling mineralizations in nature. The research found that the stones partially dissolve and regrow again and again as they form, contradicting the widely held notion that they never dissolve.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2018

A materials scientist's dream come true

Scientists have successfully manipulated individual dislocations in bilayer graphene using advanced electron microscopy and nanoscale robot arms. This breakthrough confirms long-standing theories of defect interactions and opens up new possibilities for studying plasticity.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New method discovered to view proteins inside human cells

Researchers at the University of Warwick have created a new tagging device called FerriTag that allows for the precise visualization of proteins within human cells. This breakthrough method eliminates the need for external tags, reducing cell damage and enabling more accurate studies on protein behavior.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2018

OHSU one of three centers selected to study cells at atomic level

The new Pacific Northwest Center for Cryo-EM will provide state-of-the-art technology and training to researchers nationwide. The facility will enable scientists to see molecules in breathtaking detail, with resolution near atomic levels, revolutionizing the understanding of disease at the molecular level.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·DateMay 15, 2018

T cell antigen receptors act alone: Longstanding immunological mystery solved

Researchers at TU Wien and Medical University of Vienna have discovered that T cell antigen receptors operate alone, contrary to previous assumptions. This groundbreaking finding has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing effective therapies against cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateApr 18, 2018

Fossil study sheds light on ancient butterfly wing colors

A team of researchers has discovered new evidence for color in Mesozoic fossils, revealing that intricate microstructures created the metallic bronze to golden colors found on ancient butterfly wings. This study extends the evidence for light-scattering structures in insect fossil records by over 130 million years.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 11, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Rare mineral discovered in plants for first time

Scientists at University of Cambridge have found a rare mineral vaterite in the protective silvery-white crust on alpine plants' leaves. The discovery has potential uses in drug delivery and other industries due to its high loading capacity and solubility properties.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFlora·DateMar 5, 2018

A look at the space between mouse brain cells

Researchers have developed a new imaging paradigm to study the extracellular space between brain cells, revealing its complex and dynamic nature. The technique, called SUSHI, provides high-quality 3D reconstructions of brain tissue and has the potential to improve drug delivery within the brain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 22, 2018

Identity and origin of magnetic soil nanoparticles

Magnetic soil nanoparticles are primarily composed of magnetite, formed by soil wetting and drying cycles. This finding suggests that magnetic variations in Chinese Loess Plateau soils can be used as a benchmark for testing paleoclimate models.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Microscopy: A space-time sensor for light-matter interactions

Researchers at LMU Munich create a new mode of electron microscopy that enables the observation of fundamental interactions between light and matter in real time and space. The technique uses attosecond pulse trains to monitor ultrafast processes initiated by light oscillations onto matter, allowing for sub-atomic resolution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 30, 2017

Navigational view of the brain thanks to powerful X-rays

A research team led by Eva Dyer has imaged brains at a mesoscale using the most powerful X-ray beams in the country, revealing capillary grids interlacing brain tissues. The technique could open new windows onto how brain signaling networks work and potentially lead to better understanding of neurological diseases.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 17, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

What happens when nerve cells stop working?

Nerve cell networks reorganize themselves during periods of inactivity, becoming hypersensitive and prone to overreaction when signals are reinstated. Researchers developed a high-speed microscopy process to visualize communication networks of living neurons, shedding light on the effects of blocking neural pathways.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2017

Naked molecules dancing in liquid become visible

Researchers at IBS Institute for Basic Science observed polymers in liquid inside graphene pockets without staining, revealing their dynamic movement. The study paves the way for observing life's building blocks and self-assembly of materials.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 20, 2017

Proteins keep a grip on cells

Scientists have identified where laminin 511 interacts with integrins, crucial adhesion molecules that determine cell function and shape. The discovery reveals the gamma chain directly interacts with integrins, stabilizing the laminin-integrin bond.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Microscopy technique could enable more informative biopsies

Researchers at MIT and Harvard Medical School have devised a way to image biopsy samples with much higher resolution, revealing detailed information about disease. The new technique expands tissue samples before imaging, allowing for the detection of features that can only be seen with high-resolution electron microscopes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 17, 2017

A swell diagnostic method

Researchers develop a technique called expansion microscopy to physically expand tissues, enabling pathologists to diagnose diseases like early breast cancer with high accuracy and reliability. The method has been shown to improve the resolution of conventional microscopes and can be applied to any type of clinical sample.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 17, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Graphene enhancing our vision of the infinitely small

Researchers at OIST used one-atom-thin graphene film to drastically enhance the quality of electron microscopy images of biological specimens. The low-energy electrons interact strongly with the virus sample but not with the background graphene layer, providing high contrast and resolving tiny details.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalMicroscopy·DateJun 9, 2017

ASU-led scientists discover why rocks flow slowly in Earth's middle mantle

Researchers used X-ray techniques and atomic resolution electron microscopy to study bridgmanite, the dominant mineral in Earth's mantle. They found that changes in iron composition at certain pressures cause bridgmanite to become more viscous, leading to slowed flow patterns.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Scientists using high tech microscope find clues to an autoimmune disease

Scientists have discovered clues into how a destructive autoimmune disease works using a unique microscope capable of illuminating living cell structures. They were able to see clusters of antibodies atop astrocytes, the brain cell target of the autoimmune response in neuromyelitis optica.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 26, 2017

Scientists get closer look at living nerve synapses

Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

UW sleep research high-resolution images show how the brain resets during sleep

A four-year research project published in Science offers a direct visual proof of the synaptic homeostasis hypothesis, which suggests that sleep is essential for brain plasticity and learning. The study found that synapses in mice brains shrink by nearly 20% during sleep, creating room for growth and learning the next day.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateFeb 2, 2017

Images show cytofilaments linking cell nucleus to extracellular environment

The study provides the first visual evidence of a physical link by which genes can receive mechanical cues from their microenvironment. The images show thread-like cytofilaments reaching into and traversing a human breast cell's chromatin-packed nucleus, revealing a direct connection to the nucleus.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateJan 25, 2017

Cloud formation: How feldspar acts as ice nucleus

Feldspar's unique surface defects enable ice crystals to grow, a discovery that sheds light on precipitation formation in clouds. The research found that microscopic edges and cracks on feldspar crystallites serve as active sites for ice nucleation.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Molecular imaging hack makes cameras 'faster'

Rice chemist Christy Landes and her team have created a new microscopy technique called super temporal resolution microscopy (STReM), which captures images of molecules at a frame rate 20 times faster than typical lab cameras. This enhancement allows researchers to study fast processes without needing more expensive cameras, extracting...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2016

The process of DNA packaging in cell nucleus revealed

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered the mechanisms of DNA packaging in the cell nucleus, which has implications for epigenetic control of gene expression. The study reveals that chromatin structures maintain high levels of packing and flexibility despite traditional notions.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 8, 2016

First multicolor electron microscopy images revealed

Scientists have developed multicolor electron microscopy, enabling up to three colors (green, red, yellow) to be used in an image. The new method has potential applications in biology, distinguishing cellular compartments and tracking proteins.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateNov 3, 2016