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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

Diagnosis of rare bleeding disorder improved with super-resolution microscopy

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates a new method using super-resolution microscopy can accurately diagnose rare platelet disorders, offering an alternative to costly and resource-intensive electron microscopy. This innovative approach provides personalized treatment options, saving the NHS money and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateFeb 4, 2016

Real X-ray vision: See-through brains ready for study

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute developed a new optical clearing technique called Sca l eS, enabling the creation of transparent brain samples for detailed analysis. The technique has provided new insights into Alzheimer's disease pathology and revealed associations between amyloid beta plaques and microglial cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 14, 2015

Science provides new way to peer into pores

Rice University researchers have developed a new technique to characterize the space within porous materials, allowing them to measure dimensions and dynamics at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could improve protein separation processes for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 9, 2015

Watching the hidden life of materials

Researchers have successfully observed atomic positions and electron distribution during the transformation of vanadium dioxide from a semiconductor to a metal. This achievement marks the first time that experiments can distinguish between atomic-lattice structure changes and electron relocation at ultrafast speeds.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 27, 2014

Viewing plant cells in 3-D (no glasses required)

Biologists at MTSU have optimized FIB-SEM technology to image plant cell architecture, revealing previously unseen aspects of organelle organization and function. The technology provides high-resolution images of plant cells, allowing researchers to explore new questions and expand their understanding of plant development.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 9, 2014

A detailed look at HIV in action

Researchers at Caltech used high-resolution electron microscopy to visualize HIV infection in the gut of an infected mouse model. The study revealed novel observations about HIV behavior, including semisynchronous wave patterns of virus release from infected cells and transmission through free pools of virus.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 30, 2014

Scientists use blur to sharpen DNA mapping

Scientists at Rice University have created a method to locate specific sequences along single strands of DNA, which could help diagnose genetic diseases. The 'motion blur point accumulation' technique resolves structures as small as 30 nanometers by capturing images of fluorescent probes binding to target DNA.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 9, 2013

How to build your gate

Researchers at EMBL used super-resolution microscopy to determine the arrangement of Y-shaped molecules in the nuclear pore complex, resolving a decade-old controversy. The study found that the Ys lie in an orderly circle around the opening, with all arms pointing towards the centre.

Visualizing biological networks in 4-D

Scientists at Caltech have developed a unique microscope that captures the motion of DNA structures in both space and time, allowing them to directly measure stiffness and map its variation. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for understanding biological nanomaterials and their properties.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

A new glow for electron microscopy

Researchers from MIT have developed a new tag, APEX, that enables high-resolution visualization of proteins in cells using electron microscopy. The APEX tag allows scientists to label and identify specific proteins with unprecedented clarity, resolving open questions regarding protein locations and functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 22, 2012

Evaluation of microscopy techniques may help scientists to better understand ancient plants

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed new microscopy techniques to analyze pollen grains, enabling better classification of prehistoric flora. The research highlights the importance of pollen morphology in understanding the evolution and diversity of ancient vegetation.

A 3-D reconstructed image of neural dendritic trees using the advanced electron microscope technology

The study reveals that neurons normalize receiving signals by adjusting their morphological characteristics, making it easier to receive farther signals. The research team's 3D image reconstruction of minute dendritic tree morphology demonstrates the size and distance of dendritic trees determine signal clarity and strength.

SourceNational Institute for Physiological Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2011

Rejuvenating electron microscopy

Scientists at UCSD and colleagues create a new type of genetic tag visible under electron microscopy, enabling detailed three-dimensional images of individual cells. The breakthrough enhances electron microscopy capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize proteins in unprecedented detail.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 5, 2011

Getting the point: Real-time monitoring of atomic-microscope probes adjusts for wear

Scientists at NIST have developed a method to measure the wear and degradation of AFM tips in real time, allowing for dramatic improvements in precision and speed. This technique uses contact resonance force microscopy to track the resonant frequency of the sensor tip, enabling atomic-scale resolution and reducing inaccuracies.