Cryo-Electron Microscopy: Technique Overview

Cryo-Electron Microscopy: Technique Overview

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is an emerging technique in the structural biology field that recently achieved atomic resolution. This resolution is on par with the more traditional technique of X-ray crystallography. Cryo-EM is now making it possible to study a wider range of 3D molecular structures at high resolution.

These animations are overviews of the cryo-EM technique, from purified protein solution to 3D structure. They feature work from the High Resolution Electron Microscopy Lab at the NIH.

The top animation was created in collaboration with a multimedia team at Science Magazine. It was derived from a longer version created for use in presentations (below). Here, it was re-cut and narration was added by Science.

These animations were featured in NIH News, LiveScience, Science News, Science Magazine, Biotechniques, NIH Research Matters, and the NIH Catalyst.