cryo-ET (cryo-electron tomography)

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a high-resolution imaging technique that captures detailed 3D snapshots of biological samples in their natural, frozen state. By rapidly freezing specimens, cryo-ET preserves their structure without artifacts from staining or fixing. Using an electron microscope, scientists take many 2D images from different angles and then computationally assemble them into a three-dimensional model. This allows researchers to see the intricate architecture of cells, viruses, and proteins at near-molecular resolution, providing valuable insights into biological functions and mechanisms.