biological applications of neutron diffraction

Neutron diffraction is a powerful tool used in biology to study the structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and complex biological materials at the atomic level. By bombarding biological samples with neutrons, scientists can reveal how these molecules are arranged and how they interact with each other. This technique is particularly useful because neutrons can penetrate deeply without damaging the samples, allowing researchers to understand dynamic processes in living organisms, such as enzyme function and drug interactions. Insights gained can lead to advancements in medicine and biotechnology, helping design better drugs and understand diseases at a molecular level.