Focal power of new x-ray microscope beats 30 nm resolution
The highest-power hard x-ray microscope now in use was recently activated at Argonne National Lab, a little over a year after Xradia Inc. delivered the instrument. The flexibility of x-ray light observation will allow in situ studies of nanomaterials growth processes.
Accelerating observation to 900 animals per hour
An automated microfluidic device developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology greatly reduces the time it takes to screen small organisms for genetic studies. Animal samples are immobilized by cooling, and the chip is compatible with any common laboratory microscope.
Long-neglected, astrocytes show their true brain power
Star-shaped astrocytes were long-ignored by common magnetic resonance and tomography imaging approaches because of their lack of electrical activity. But two-photon microscopy shows the cells to be the crucial link between neurons and blood flow.
Three-in-one imaging breakthrough keeps nanoparticles honest
Oak Ridge National Lab has brought forward a non-invasive nanomechanical process—called scanning near-field holography—which combines scanning probe, ultrasound, and holographic imaging methods to determine whether cells alter in response to synthetic shapes.
MRI may move to full color with tunable micromagnets
Magnetic resonance imaging depends on the use of chemical contrast agents to help identify cells or tissues. A new NIST method instead uses microscopic magnets made to alter shape by way of RF signals. The miniature RFID tags, which could be coated to attach to cell types, also boosted sensitivity in tests.
Hands-free image browsing device keeps infections out
Touching a keyboard or mouse is the last thing a physician would want to do while performing a sensitive brain biopsy. To protect sterility, Ben Gurion Univ. researchers developed a tool that has allowed doctors to consult radiology images while operating.
Virus keeps its genes in an exceptionally tight knot
The highest-detail image yet of the protein envelope of an assymetrical virus and the DNA within—just 8 Angstroms in resolution—shows that its cargo is held in a tight donut shape or toroid. The high degree of structural distortion was a surprise to scientists.
A 0.01 nm SEM revolution or a budget option?
The EU-funded Monarch Project, a consortium founded to build a nanoscale scanning electron microscope on a chip, is now approaching commercial scale under the lead of UK company NFAB. The claims of high resolution and low power are heady, but some believe imperfections in lens will limit resolution.
PET scanning probe speeds up immune system monitoring
Molecular engineering has allowed UCLA scientists to create a radiolabelled probe for use in detecting immune response during positron emission tomography. The aided imaging method is not a treatment or cure, but the relatively simple injection could save oncologists and patients from unnecessarily toxic treatment regimens.
Breaking surf inspires high-power medical imaging solution At sea, waves are uniform (linear constructive interference), but as they approach land, shore variations create multiple peaks and valleys. This effect, says electrical and mathematics experts in a new paper, can be used on a standard CMOS chip to bring microwave imaging technology up to terahertz levels, replacing x-rays.
Portable bruise detector ushers in handheld spectral imaging Multispectral instrument is already a viable technology with many potential uses, especially in medicine. However, costs have been prohibitive. A single exposure imaging tool recently introduced relies on a narrow-band filter mosaic to identify things such as bruises. Secondary uses could be remote sensing in mines and atmospheric monitoring.
CatCam captures the complexities of visual circuitry CatCam captures the complexities of visual circuitry
Most studies of visual neurons have relied on experiments using simple reactions to bars, dots and gratings. To develop, for the first time, a picture of the complex side of visual stimuli, researchers anesthetized cats and showed them images while studying their LGN neurons, which record raw image data in the thalamus.
Clever layering methods allow tunable magnetism on the nanoscale Tunable magnetic nanoparticles are well-suited to proposed magnetic resonance imaging applications, but making them isn’t easy. The National Cancer Institute says it has a way. A ruthenium space layer used in the nanoimprint lithography process allows researchers to vary the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles.
Pattern recognition technique makes short work of image analysis What’s the smallest amount of information derived from an image that can identify that image? The answer is a very small amount. So small, in fact, that very short codes could be adapted to extremely fast image identification software or even computers that can see as humans do.
In the kidney, with a pilus: molecular ‘snapshots’ solve the crime A combination of x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy have allowed researchers to peer into the unknown mechanics of pili formation on infectious E. coli. This is important because these sticky fibers allow the bacteria to create kidney and bladder infections.
Carbon nanotubes elevate power of Kelvin probe force microscopy Proponents of using carbon nanotubes in atomic force microscopy cantilevers initially touted durability. Now, researchers have found the electrical properties of CNTs help greatly with the effectiveness of scanning surface potential microscopy, which gauges electrical potential.
Molecular mapping without crystallization? X-rays may make it happen The method hasn’t been yet proven experimentally, but Argonne National Lab’s proposed x-ray imaging technique—aided by laser light which temporarily aligns molecules for diffraction measurement—may help us finally image the 1 million or so human proteins that cannot be crystallized.
Hydrogen-bond exchanges seen in real-time, for the first time Speculation that quantum tunneling and molecular vibrations are crucial characteristics in hydrogen-bond interchanges has recently been supported by live observations with scanning tunneling microscopes. Such information can guide electrode catalysis design goals for fuel cell makers.
Imaging tools evolve to meet genomic advances Yesterday’s R&D Daily took a look at a new theory about how genes are controlled. To perform these kinds of studies, scientists rely on tools such as fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), which is able to monitor biosensors placed in cells. In this way, two cell behaviors can be examined simultaneously.
Heat gives "hyper" MRI jolt of speed and sensitivity A new type of magnetic resonance imaging could mean patients will soon spend far less time in a claustrophobic chamber. The method, which uses rhyperpolarized xenon had previously it had only been test at room temperature. When elevated to body temperature, performance improved greatly.
Applications for Desktop SEMs Continue to Multiply When FEI, Hillsboro, Ore., introduced the Phenom desktop scanning electron microscope (SEM) in 2007, many thought that the majority of users would be optical microscope users who needed higher resolution.
Tricorder look-alike delivers medical imaging anywhere, anytime It’s not a tricorder of Star Trek fame, but it does act like one. A new handheld medical scanner transmits scanned images to the lab—where the actual expensive imaging gear is located—and receives the prognosis as simply as it gets a text image.
Atomic force measurements reveal secrets of viscosity The first use of atomic force microscopy for the study of fluid viscosity has brought new revelations to light about the fundamental nature of fluids. According to the work by Georgia Tech researchers, even water can behave like a gel in a nanometer-size space, but also become more fluid when shaken.
On the trail of a hallucinogenic scourge In just a few years, “salvia” sprang from nowhere to become the drug of choice for teenagers as young as 11 or 12 years old. Studying the brain’s reaction to this potent plant-based drug using positron emission tomography, Brookhaven National Lab scientists uncovered some important clues.
Steerable lasers give us a first look at firing neurons A set of acousto-optic deflectors have allowed Baylor College of Medicine researchers to use a rotating laser beam in conjunction with a conventional multiphoton microscope to observe objects in 3-D space. The innovation gives us the chance to see live interactions of neurons.
Last Thursday, the R&D Daily made one of its occasional forays into the fast-paced world of semiconductor technology, specifically extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL). According to new measurements from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the photoresists designed for use with this hotly-anticipated new technology are twice as effective is previously thought.
The discrepancy was caused by an older measurement method. Unfortunately, it’s not great news for EUV developers because it strongly indicates existing optics are only half as effective as previously thought.
However, judging from a recent conversations with technical leaders at Cymer, a major U.S. maker of radiation sources for semiconductor lithography, the rolling ball that is EUVL won’t be stopped anytime soon.
Cymer is one of just a few companies at the forefront of a race to develop a viable EUV scanner to replace existing 193 nm argon-fluoride-based devices which now dominate the semiconductor industry. Like other companies, it pushing to design a powerful light source in the about 13 nm wavelength range. So far, it has achieved 25 W of continuous power and intends to break 100 W by year’s end. And, like other companies, it must deal with the intense heat generated by such light and design robust optics which are efficient enough to achieve conversion goals.
Only with adequate conversion efficiency will developers of EUVL be in a position to deliver the performance needed when the market wants it.
It remains to be seen whether EUVL is the new standard in 2012 (the target date for widespread adoption of new scanners). But R&D Magazine will be closely following the progress of this and other technologies aimed at the next-generation of microchips; the push to keep us on the path of that oft-cited economic law of Gordon Moore will continue to surprise us.
