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Lab on chip for membrane proteins

A novel lab-on-chip device has been developed to screen sensitive membrane proteins in parallel, utilizing a nano-fabricated chip with 50,000 nanopores. This technology preserves protein structure without organic solvents or solid support, enabling simultaneous analysis and preserving fragile protein function.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 9, 2010

Compact microscope a marvel

Rice University's compact fluorescence microscope, developed by Andrew Miller, has been shown to accurately diagnose tuberculosis in a trial with 98.4% accuracy. The portable device, costing $240, is comparable to expensive lab equipment and has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of TB in developing countries.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2010

HHMI renews grant for Rice's global health program

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has renewed a four-year grant for Rice University's global health program, Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB), with a $1.2 million investment. BTB challenges students to design practical solutions to real-world problems in developing nations, resulting in over 10% of Rice undergraduates taking the cour...

Ultrasensitive imaging method uses gold-silver 'nanocages'

Researchers developed an experimental imaging technique using gold-silver nanocages to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enabling clear images without background fluorescence. This method shows improved performance with higher contrast and brightness than conventional fluorescent dyes.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 12, 2010

Measuring molecules to improve drug design

CSIRO's DAC microscopy method measures proteins in solution, allowing accurate dimensions of membrane receptors to be taken. This will help drug companies design more effective pharmaceuticals by understanding the complex structures of these molecules.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalJournal of Microscopy·DateFeb 5, 2009

Super-resolution microscopy takes on a third dimension

Scientists have developed a new imaging technology that produces the best three-dimensional resolution ever seen with an optical microscope, allowing them to pinpoint fluorescent labels in all three dimensions. This breakthrough will help reveal how biomolecules organize themselves into cellular structures and signaling complexes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

Molecular hula hoop

Japanese researchers successfully observed individual molecular rotors caught in motion using a novel microscopy technique. The study focused on rotaxanes, two-part molecular systems that rotate around an axis, revealing rapid rotational and vibrational motion when wet.

SourceWiley·DateJul 18, 2008

Synergy between biology and physics drives cell-imaging technology

Advances in super-resolution imaging technologies, such as STED, STORM, PALM, and structured illumination microscopy, have broken the diffraction limit of light, enabling the imaging of cellular structures as small as 50 nanometres. These techniques are driven by both biological and physical needs, inspiring new questions and discoveries.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateJun 2, 2008

Imaging techniques permit scientists to follow a day -- or 4 -- in the life of a cell

Researchers can now observe live cells for extended periods using advanced microscopy techniques, allowing them to study complex cellular processes and identify potential avenues for disease treatment. The new protocols provide a comprehensive toolkit for scientists to visualize and analyze cell movement, growth, and function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateJan 3, 2007

Microscopy turning nanoscopy

Researchers have developed the STED-4Pi-Microcope, which uses stimulated emission to narrow the focal spot of the fluorescence microscope, allowing for resolutions below 50 nm. This technique enables the imaging of features on a molecular level, advancing biological and medical research.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2002

A dream team tackles the brain

Boston University scientists are developing a new form of microscopy that utilizes entangled-photon fluorescence microscopy to observe brain synapses. This technology holds promise for unraveling the century-old question of how dendritic spines function, crucial for cognitive processes like learning and memory.