Near-atomic detail from large sample areas using cryo-EM of frozen biological sample slices
What is it about?
This study explores how cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) can be used to image large areas of frozen biological samples with near-atomic resolution. The researchers used a method called CEMOVIS, which involves cutting ultra-thin sections of frozen cells or tissues, and showed that molecular structures like ribosomes remain well preserved. Unlike standard methods, which only allow small regions to be imaged, this approach makes it possible to study much broader parts of cells and tissues at high resolution.
Why is it important?
To study the inner structure of cells at high resolution, researchers often use a focused ion beam (FIB) to mill thin, electron-transparent slices—called lamellae—from frozen samples. But this process is slow and only produces small imaging areas, typically just a few square micrometres. In this study, the authors used a diamond knife at cryogenic temperatures to cut ultra-thin sections of frozen cells. This allows much larger areas to be imaged—thousands of times larger—while still preserving molecular detail. It opens new possibilities for studying the organization of cells and tissues at high resolution.