3D Tracking Microscope

URL

http://www.imaging-git.com/news/3d-tracking-microscope

Description

A 3D tracking microscope was developed by scientists with the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies. With this 3D tracking microscope they can follow three-dimensional movement of individual protein molecules inside live cells. In an early demonstration, this instrument was used to follow three-dimensional dynamics of key proteins involved in the human allergic response and associated biological signals.

The microscope system simultaneously samples four spots surrounding the molecule under scrutiny and tracks both its spatial and temporal dynamics. To facilitate such tracking, these important signaling molecules are labeled with quantum dots, tiny glowing nanocrystals.