Developing advanced imaging techniques for biological structures
Official title: Support for CryoEM and CryoET Development in the Ludtke Lab
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11015935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving special imaging techniques to get clearer pictures of tiny molecules in our cells, which could help scientists better understand diseases and how they work, ultimately benefiting patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $360,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151999-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions related to molecular dysfunctions or diseases that could be better understood through advanced imaging techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to molecular imaging or those not requiring insights into cellular structures may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing Cryo Electron Microscopy (CryoEM) and Cryo Electron Tomography (CryoET) methods to extract detailed biological information from images of tiny molecules and macromolecular assemblies. The project aims to improve software techniques that can process noisy images taken at low doses to create high-resolution 3D structures. By addressing the challenges of imaging delicate biological specimens, the research seeks to provide clearer insights into molecular interactions and dynamics within cells. Patients may benefit indirectly through advancements in understanding diseases at the molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the molecular basis of diseases, potentially informing new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in CryoEM and CryoET has shown promise in improving our understanding of biological structures, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ludtke, Steven J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ludtke, Steven J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
A new AI tool uses multiple types of patient data to help doctors find genetic causes of congenital heart disease more accurately.
-
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children
This project watches how often common vaccines prevent illnesses in kids who are in the hospital or at the emergency department, and compares them with healthy children getting well-child care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Thalamic sleep circuit changes in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how sleep-related brain activity in a key sleep regulator called the TRN affects Alzheimer’s progression and whether boosting TRN function could slow symptoms.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
UMPIRE: Keeping Kidneys Healthy for Babies with Spina Bifida
A care protocol for newborns with spina bifida aims to protect kidney function by thoughtful bladder management and monitoring from birth.
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.