Developing a new method to prepare biological samples for advanced imaging techniques
Official title: Microfluidic Preparation of Specimens to Enable Submillisecond Time-Resolved Cryo-EM
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-10932924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to prepare tiny biological samples for a special imaging technique that helps scientists see how molecules behave in real-time, which could lead to better understanding and treatments for diseases related to ion channels and receptors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $329,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144620-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to ion channel dysfunction or receptor abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with diseases unrelated to ion channels or receptors may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the preparation of biological specimens for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), a technique that allows scientists to visualize biological molecules in their natural state. By creating a microfluidic system, researchers aim to capture rapid biochemical reactions that occur in milliseconds, which are crucial for understanding various diseases. The new system will enhance the quality and consistency of samples, enabling more precise studies of important cellular processes and interactions. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms of diseases linked to ion channels and receptors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases related to ion channels and receptors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in cryo-EM has shown significant success, particularly in studying bacterial translation systems, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Qiao — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Lin, Qiao
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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.