cryo-EM

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a technique used by scientists to see the detailed structures of tiny biological molecules, like proteins, at near-atomic resolution. In this process, samples are rapidly frozen to preserve their natural shape without forming ice crystals. These frozen samples are then imaged using an electron microscope, which uses a beam of electrons instead of light to capture highly detailed pictures. By combining thousands of these images and using computational methods, researchers can create detailed 3D models, helping to understand how molecules function and aiding drug development.