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Precise insight into the depths of cells

Scientists at Goethe University Frankfurt have combined two advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques to observe cells with high-resolution imaging. The new technique, called csiLSFM, allows for three-dimensional insight into a cell's interior with sub-100nm resolution.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2017

How cells move

A study by Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt reveals how cells move using integrins, actin, and an adaptor protein. The technique enables measuring mechanical force acting on integrins, which could lead to targeted drugs to strengthen the immune system against infections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2016

CAS researchers and Nobel Laureate develop new monomer fluorescent protein for SR imaging

CAS researchers have developed a new monomer fluorescent protein, Skylan-NS, enabling substantial improvements in the speed, duration, and noninvasiveness of live-cell superresolution microscopy. The protein shows high photostability, cycle numbers and signal-to-noise ratio, making it suitable for live-cell SR imaging.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2016

Enhancing molecular imaging with light

A new platform called spectroscopic photon localization microscopy (SPLM) increases the resolution of molecular imaging by fourfold, making it faster and simpler. This breakthrough can be applied to various fields like materials science and life sciences to study nanoscale environments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2016

Sharper than living matter permits

Researchers have developed a method to observe nanometer-sized patterns of biomolecules such as proteins in an arrested but living state. This allows for the recording of molecular activity and interactions without causing cell death, revealing new insights into cellular behavior and processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 12, 2016

Veggie juice that illuminates the gut

Researchers have developed a spinach-like, nanoparticle juice that can help doctors get a better look at the human gastrointestinal tract. The drink, made from chlorophyll-based nanoparticles, has shown promise in improving imaging techniques such as photoacoustic and PET imaging.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 11, 2016

New imaging method reveals nanoscale details about DNA

Researchers developed a new enhanced DNA imaging technique that can probe individual DNA strands at the nanoscale, providing orientation information and rotational dynamics. The technique offers more detailed information than current methods, enabling monitoring of DNA conformation changes and interactions with proteins.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 17, 2016

Misleading images in cell biology

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new method to distinguish real protein clusters from single blinking molecules in superresolution microscopy. The study reveals that many studied proteins do not form clusters as previously assumed, challenging the theory on protein distribution on cell membranes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 15, 2016

A multitool for cells

Researchers have discovered that yeast cells use a complex protein structure, called the polarity site, to detect scent gradients. This site moves along the membrane towards the strongest signal before creating a bulge in the cell to grow towards its source.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 21, 2015

A fluorescent dye that survives in live cell STED imaging

Scientists at ITbM developed a new fluorescent dye, C-Naphox, with enhanced photostability to enable continuous live cell imaging by STED microscopy. The dye has demonstrated extreme photoresistance and no significant toxicity towards cells, opening doors to real-time biological event observation for extended periods.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2015

New microscopy technology augments surgeon's view for greater accuracy

The new augmented microscopy technology overlays real and computer-generated images to help surgeons visualize blood flow, cancerous tissue, and anatomical structures more accurately. This innovation aims to improve the translation of research into clinical practice, particularly in neurosurgery and laser surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateOct 6, 2015

Seeing the action

Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel device that enables real-time observation of the forces involved in cell membrane hemifusion. By combining the Surface Forces Apparatus and fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize the rearrangement of lipid domains during this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2015

X-ray ptychography, fluorescence microscopy combo sheds new light on trace elements

Scientists have developed a new approach combining ptychographic X-ray imaging and fluorescence microscopy to study the role of trace elements in biological functions. This technique demonstrates unparalleled sensitivity for measuring trace element distribution in thicker specimens at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

One nanoparticle, 6 types of medical imaging

University at Buffalo researchers have designed a nanoparticle that can be detected by six medical imaging techniques, including CT scanning, PET scanning, and photoacoustic imaging. This technology has the potential to provide doctors with clearer pictures of patients' organs and tissues, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 20, 2015

A better imager for identifying tumors

Researchers developed a small, lightweight device that combines near-infrared fluorescent imaging to detect marked cancer cells with visible light reflectance imaging to see tissue contours. This technology enhances surgeons' ability to precisely remove tumors and minimize healthy tissue damage.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 19, 2014

Nature: Watching molecule movements in live cells

Researchers developed a new microscopy method combining STED fluorescence microscopy with raster image correlation spectroscopy to track molecule movements in live cells. This allows for high-resolution analysis of biomolecular dynamics, enabling better understanding of cell membranes and protein interactions.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2013

Giving fluorescence microscopy new power to study cellular transport

Researchers developed a new method to study cellular transport dynamics, providing more comprehensive information than existing methods. The dispersion-relation fluorescence spectroscopy (DFS) approach labels molecules of interest, analyzing spontaneous fluorescence intensity fluctuations to quantify mass transport dynamics.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2012

Keeping up with embryogenesis

A new imaging technology captures unprecedented speed and precision of embryogenesis, enabling quantitative analyses of developmental processes. The SiMView light sheet microscope allows users to track each cell in an embryo as it takes shape over hours or days.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 5, 2012

Research team achieves first 2-color STED microscopy of living cells

A research team from Yale University has successfully achieved two-color stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy in living cells, overcoming previous challenges in labeling target proteins. The breakthrough enables resolutions of 78 nanometers and 82 nanometers for sequential scans of two proteins in living cells.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 17, 2011

Alternative methods of smear collection are effective at diagnosing TB

Researchers developed alternative smear collection methods that are more convenient for patients, yet maintain the same level of accuracy for diagnosis. The findings suggest that a single patient visit could be sufficient to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis, improving access to treatment, particularly in poor countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 12, 2011