stimulated emission depletion microscopy

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is an advanced imaging technique that allows scientists to see tiny details inside cells far beyond traditional microscopes' limits. It works by labeling structures with special molecules, then using light to excite these molecules. A second, carefully shaped light beam then deactivates (or "depletes") the excitement in surrounding areas, leaving only a tiny, focused spot active. By scanning this spot across the sample, STED achieves extremely high-resolution images, revealing details at the nanometer scale, which helps researchers better understand biological processes at a cellular and molecular level.