Developing a method to visualize live cell physiology in high detail
Visualizing Live Cell Physiology with High Resolution Using Phase-Contrast STEM
This study is working on a new way to take super clear pictures of living cells to see how they work, especially focusing on the proteins inside them, and it's designed to keep the cells healthy while doing so.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10675098 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to create a new technique for observing live cell physiology with high resolution using a specialized imaging method called integrated Differential Phase Contrast-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (iDPC-STEM). The approach focuses on maintaining cell viability while achieving detailed imaging at the molecular level, specifically targeting the protein machinery within cells. By utilizing a liquid flow cell that allows for imaging under physiological conditions, the researchers hope to overcome current limitations in cell imaging. This method will be tested on well-characterized biological systems to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions that affect cellular function or physiology, such as infections or metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve cellular dysfunction may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cell function and disease mechanisms, ultimately improving patient care and treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar high-resolution imaging techniques have shown promise in other biological research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Notre Dame, United States
- University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timp, Gregory Louis — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Timp, Gregory Louis
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.