In an innovative breakthrough, teams led by Prof. Dr. Frank Noé and Prof. Dr. Helge Ewers, both hailing from Freie Universität Berlin, have joined forces with the X-ray microscopy department at HZB to revolutionize the field of cellular imaging.
Advanced X-Ray Tomography from BESSY II
At the heart of this research is BESSY II’s advanced X-ray tomography. These powerful X-rays are capable of producing detailed microscopic images with an impressive spatial resolution of just tens of nanometers. What’s more, the need for complex sample preparation—typically necessary in electron microscopy—is eliminated, allowing entire cell volumes to be examined. This technology, known as cryo X-ray tomography, provides clear, detailed views of tiny cell organelles in both 2D and 3D.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration
Previously, the evaluation of 3D tomograms was a manual, labor-intensive process. Now, this interdisciplinary collaboration is challenging the status quo. The computer science team has developed a novel, AI-based analysis method. The application of this self-learning algorithm to 3D X-ray data sets paves the way for faster and more efficient analysis of subcellular structures.
Enter the AI Era of Microscopic Imaging
According to Dr. Stephan Werner, an X-ray microscopy expert at HZB, the AI-assisted evaluation of cell volumes has already proven its efficacy. In their study, the team examined mammalian cells with filopodia, complex structures essential for cell migration. The results were remarkable—the AI algorithm correctly identified about 70% of the cell features within a remarkably short time frame.
What’s Next?
First author Michael Dyhr from Freie Universität Berlin believes that this new analytical method has vast potential. It could expedite investigations on how cells react to environmental factors like nanoparticles, viruses, or carcinogens, and make them more reliable. Given the interest the study has already attracted among experts, it’s clear that this revolutionary development in cellular imaging could have far-reaching implications.
For more details, find the published work in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences here.
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