New methods for detecting tiny crystals in biological research
Official title: New techniques for detecting and handling nanocrystals for cutting edge structural biology methods
Funded at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst · NIH-10914998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to see and work with tiny crystal samples of biomolecules, which are important for learning about diseases and finding new treatments, so we can better understand how these molecules affect our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM141273-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve biomolecular dysfunctions, such as cancer or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biomolecular structures or those not requiring advanced structural analysis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative techniques to detect and handle extremely small crystalline samples of biomolecules, which are crucial for understanding diseases and creating new treatments. By utilizing advanced imaging methods and computational tools, the project aims to overcome the challenges associated with working with submicron crystals that are difficult to visualize using traditional microscopy. The goal is to enhance the structural analysis of biomolecules, thereby improving our understanding of their roles in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in the development of targeted therapies for various diseases by providing detailed insights into biomolecular structures.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for structural biology, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bowman, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson — Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Inst
- Study coordinator: Bowman, Sarah Elizabeth Johnson
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving methods to crystallize biological macromolecules for better structural analysis
This study is working on better ways to grow crystals from important biological molecules, which helps scientists understand how these molecules work, and this could eventually lead to new treatments and a better understanding of diseases for patients like you.
-
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This study is looking at how sugar changes on a protein called Grp94 can affect its ability to help other proteins work properly, which could lead to new ways to treat chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and some cancers, ultimately helping patients get better care.
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.