Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a powerful imaging technique used to visualize biological samples at very low temperatures. By rapidly freezing samples, it preserves their natural structure without the need for dyes or stains. This allows scientists to capture detailed images of proteins, viruses, and other cellular components in their native state, providing insights into their functions and interactions.
The process involves shooting electrons at the frozen samples and collecting the scattered signals to create high-resolution 3D images. Cryo-EM has revolutionized structural biology, enabling researchers to study complex molecules like ribosomes and membrane proteins that were previously difficult to analyze.