( where one protein is located is nice ...)New light microscope sharpens scientists' focus

where one protein is located is nice," Betzig said, "but what you really want to know is where multiple proteins are in relation to one another." The researchers are now exploring the use of additional labeling molecules, to ultimately enable scientists to get a molecular level view of how proteins interact with one another inside cells.

These are the interactions that drive cellular activity, and watching them in action will be important to understanding the interface between molecular and cellular biology. "As the PALM technology advances, it may prove to be a key factor in unlocking at the molecular level secrets of intracellular dynamics that are unattainable by other methods," observed Davidson, who directs the optical microscopy division at FSU.

The researchers also acknowledge that the time needed to collect the thousands of single molecule images that go into each PALM picture is cumbersome. With the camera snapping one to two pictures each second, it can take two to 12 hours to image a single sample. Activating more molecules per frame would reduce the number images that must be collected, and making the molecules brighter would reduce the time needed to take each image. Either would help to speed the PALM process ?a high priority for the Hess and Betzig as they continue to refine the technique.

The two inventors are eager to continue developing their technique into something that is practical for use by biologists -- a process that they anticipate will be easier when they and their microscope move to the Janelia Farm campus in the coming months. "I think we've come a long way in the last year, from two unemployed guys with just an idea to having good jobs and a good set of data," Betzig noted. "Now if we can begin to refine this technique, we should really be able to take it to a lot of new applications."

'"/>

Source:Howard Hughes Medical Institute


Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Related biology news :

1. Researchers discover way to make cells in the eye sensitive to light
2. Recent breakthroughs in common adult leukemia highlighted in New England Journal of Medicine
3. Bacteria collection sheds light on urinary tract infections
4. Sea skate experiment sheds light on human cell transport
5. X-Ray Beams And Fruit Fly Flight Simulator Aid Scientists View Of Muscle Power
6. McGill researchers shed light on formation of carcinogen in food
7. Scientists discover how plants disarm the toxic effects of excessive sunlight
8. Medical molecules designed to respond to visible light that can penetrate tissue
9. Genetic defects give the immune system the green light to attack the pancreas
10. Researchers find gene that may be at root of potato blight
11. Remote control flies? Fly behavior controlled by laser light