25 FEBRUARY 2021
Capturing details of brain cells on a nanometre scale, researchers have uncovered evidence that the neurons of people with schizophrenia could have unique differences in thickness and curvature, and this might even account for some of their symptoms.
The finding comes from an analysis on just a small handful of donors, and is a long way from demonstrating how contrasting nerve cell structures might explain the neurological condition.
But as our understanding of these unusual characteristics grows, it could lead to better methods of treatment, helping give tens of millions around the world a better quality of life.
The study, led by researchers from Tokai University in Japan, made use of two different X-ray microscope technologies, one at the SPring-8 light source facility in Japan, the other at the US Department of Energy s Advanced Photon Source (APS).
New product to be launched in March simplifies electron cryotomography
Delmic Cryo B.V. and Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH have signed a licensing agreement for production and distribution of the Cryo Workflow Tools invented and developed at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Molecular Physiology. The Cryo Workflow Tools are aimed at reducing ice contamination, which is a major obstacle in the cryo electron tomography (cryo-ET) workflow. The new product with the name “Delmic CERES Ice Defence System” will be launched in March 2021. It will help to boost throughput and to simplify the acquisition of new knowledge in life sciences.
Electron cryotomography creates high-resolution 3D views of samples. The imaging technique is widely used in life sciences to examine biological macromolecules and cells. Due to its higher resolution, it offers much deeper insights into the cell structure than conventional light microscopy. To do this, the samples are immobilized in non-crystalline ice and
What makes viruses infectious?
Thought LeadersProfessor Peter StockleyProfessorUniversity of Leeds
In this interview, News-Medical spoke to Professor Peter Stockley about his latest research that looked at what makes viruses infectious.
What provoked your research into viruses?
I started life as a chemistry student but realized that the chemistry of life was more of interest. Viruses straddle the line between a living and non-living life cycle and so are fascinating objects, especially in their ability to encode the repeated building of the non-living protective “lifeboat” we call a virus.
Please can you give an overview into what viruses are and how they spread?