Advanced imaging techniques for studying biological cells
Biological Soft X-ray Tomography at the Advanced Light Source
This study is all about giving researchers better tools to see and understand the tiny structures inside cells without using any dyes, which can help improve our knowledge of how cells work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10710224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on providing access to advanced imaging techniques, specifically soft x-ray tomography (SXT) and super-resolution cryogenic fluorescence tomography (SR-CFT), to the biomedical research community. These techniques allow for detailed visualization and quantification of the structure of biological cells without the need for stains or contrast agents. Cells are rapidly cryo-preserved before imaging, enabling high-quality 3D reconstructions that can be integrated with other imaging data. The National Center for X-ray Tomography (NCXT) is the only facility in the US offering these unique imaging modalities, which can enhance our understanding of cellular organization and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions that affect cellular structure, such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular structure or those who do not require advanced imaging techniques may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the understanding of cellular structures and processes, leading to advancements in biomedical research and potential new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar imaging techniques, indicating a promising potential for breakthroughs in understanding complex biological systems.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larabell, Carolyn a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Larabell, Carolyn a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.