Enhanced resolution

The result signals a significant step forward in tools for molecular biology and nanotechnology by offering the ability to study complex 3D structures at the nanoscale. By extending MRI to such a fine resolution, scientists have created a microscope that could eventually be powerful enough to unravel the structure of proteins. Vice president of strategy and operations for IBM Research, Mark Dean, said: “This technology stands to revolutionise the way we look at viruses, bacteria, proteins and other biological elements.” Dan Ruger, IBM’s manager of nanoscale studies, added: “MRI is well known as a powerful tool for medical imaging, but its capability fo microscopy has always been very limited. Our hope is that nano MRI will eventually allow us to directly image the internal structure of individual protein molecules and molecular complexes, which is key to understanding biological function.”