The new microscope will help scientists to study cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis

"Secrets of Life" can be opened using a new microscope that created in the company FEI . This microscope recently installed in the университете Monash , Melbourne, Australia. Cryo-electron microscope can show scientists молекулярную structure of various types of fabrics in very high resolution. According to the head of the project, Professor James Uisstoka (James Whisstock), work with such a system - is a joy for the scientist.

Uisstok hopes that the microscope (its name - FEI Titan Krios) will help to better understand diseases such as cancers of various types, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The study of these diseases require an understanding of the mechanism for the occurrence and existence of the disease in order to find a remedy for the treatment.

"Understanding our immune system - a key factor in the fight against cancer, infectious diseases, such as malaria, and autoimmune diseases, including diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The key to understanding and cure of these diseases is the knowledge of how proteins and cells interact at the molecular level, "- says Professor.

The principle of operation of the device - "fire" a beam of high-energy electrons of the sample frozen in liquid ethane at a temperature of about 200 degrees below zero. Some electrons are reflected or absorbed by the molecules of the substance of the sample. The reflected beams allow the creation of a two-dimensional map of the sample. A compilation of a large number of 2D pictures, you can create three-dimensional models.

The cost of the project to establish such a microscope was US $ 5 million. Unit size - 3 meters (height), this is an extremely complex system that really allows you to see the molecular structure.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/245226/