cryo-electron microscopy
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful imaging technique used to visualize biological molecules at near-atomic resolution. It involves rapidly freezing samples to preserve their natural structure and then using an electron microscope to capture images of these frozen specimens. This method allows scientists to study proteins, viruses, and other complex structures without the need for crystallization.
Cryo-EM has revolutionized structural biology by enabling researchers to observe the dynamic processes of molecules in their native state. It has been instrumental in understanding the mechanisms of diseases and developing new drugs, making it a vital tool in modern biomedical research.