#Transmission electron microscopy

[mindblowingscience]

Our ability to image the subatomic realm is limited, not just by resolution, but also by speed. The constituent particles that make up – and fly free from – atoms can, in theory, move at speeds approaching that of light. In practice, they often move much slower, but even these slower speeds are way too fast for our eyes, or technology, to see. This has made observing the behavior of electrons something of a challenge – but now the development of a new microscope imaging technique has allowed scientists to catch them in motion, in real time.

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[microbes-in-hats]

Pseudomonas fluorescens

Image taken via transmission electron microscopy

Photo credit: DR TONY BRAIN / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Time-compression in electron microscopy: Terahertz light controls and characterizes electrons in space and time

Scientists at the University of Konstanz in Germany have advanced ultrafast electron microscopy to unprecedented time resolution. Reporting in Science Advances, the research team presents a method for the all-optical control, compression, and characterization of electron pulses within a transmission electron microscope using terahertz light. Additionally, the researchers have discovered substantial anti-correlations in the time domain for two-electron and three-electron states, providing deeper insight into the quantum physics of free electrons. Background and challenges Ultrafast electron microscopy is a cutting-edge technique that combines the spatial resolution of traditional electron microscopy with the temporal resolution of ultrafast femtosecond laser pulses. This powerful combination allows researchers to observe atoms and electrons in motion, capturing dynamic processes in materials with unparalleled clarity. By visualizing these rapid events in space and time, scientists can gain deeper insights into the fundamental mechanisms that govern material properties and transitions, helping to create advancements in research fields such as nanotechnology, optics, materials science, and quantum physics.

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[wolframcarbide]

[science-sculpt]

A Journey into the World of Microscopy: From Humble Beginnings to High-Tech Magnification

The science of looking into the hidden invisible Microscopy has transformed our understanding of the world around us. It can explore the universe beyond the reach of our naked eyes, with complex cellular structures, red blood cells, viruses and other viruses and microorganisms taking on amazing perspectives

The history of the microscope is a fascinating story of human curiosity, scientific genius, and relentless exploration. From the humble beginnings of simple magnifying glasses to the sophistication of modern electronic microscopes, the invention of microscopes has shaped our understanding of the microscopic world

In the 1600s, Dutch opticians such as Hans and Zachary Janssen are credited with inventing the first microscope. Known for this hybrid microscope, many lenses were used to magnify objects up to 30 times.At the end of the 17th century, Antony van Leeuwenhoek, Dutch draper some changed our perception of thumbnails. Armed with a well-made single-lens microscope, and explored the hidden reaches of nature. In 1674, Leeuwenhoek discovered microorganisms in lake water, which he aptly named “animalcules”. His discovery laid the foundations of biology and inspired generations of scientists. This incredible feat allowed him to uncover a hidden universe – the first sightings of bacteria, red blood cells, and other microorganisms.

Formation of the scientific environment (17th-19th centuries): Leeuwenhoek’s discoveries boosted scientific research. Robert Hooke, an English scientist, established these developments. In 1665, his book "Micrographia" recorded his observations with a compound microscope. Notably, the term "cell" was coined by Hooke when he examined cork tissue, laying the foundation for cell biology.Microscope systems flourished throughout the 18th and 19th centuries Joseph Lister and other scientists addressed the limitations of the early lenses, introducing improvements that reduced image distortion.

Beyond the Limits of Light: The Beginning of the New Age (19th-20th century): As the 19th century progressed, the limitations of optical microscopy became apparent and scientists yearned for a tool which can go deeper into cells. This research culminated in the development of the electron microscope in the 1930s. The 20th century was revolutionary with the invention of the electron microscope. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light, electron microscopes use electron beams to achieve much higher magnification.Formation of the scientific environment (17th-19th centuries): Leeuwenhoek’s discoveries boosted scientific research. Robert Hooke, an English scientist, established these developments. In 1665, his book "Micrographia" recorded his observations with a compound microscope. Notably, the term "cell" was coined by Hooke when he examined cork tissue, laying the foundation for cell biology.Microscope systems flourished throughout the 18th and 19th centuries Joseph Lister and other scientists addressed the limitations of the early lenses, introducing improvements that reduced image distortion.

Beyond the Limits of Light: The Beginning of the New Age (19th-20th century): As the 19th century progressed, the limitations of optical microscopy became apparent and scientists yearned for a tool which can go deeper into cells. This research culminated in the development of the electron microscope in the 1930s. The 20th century was revolutionary with the invention of the electron microscope. Unlike light microscopes, which use visible light, electron microscopes use electron beams to achieve much higher magnification.

In the 1930s, German experts Max Knoll and Ernst Ruska made the first electron microscope. This tool let us see tiny things like cells and even atoms by using electron beams, not light, getting images many times bigger. This cool invention showed us the tiny parts inside cells, viruses, and stuff too small to see before. The 1900s brought even more cool microscopes. New kinds like phase-contrast and confocal microscopy let scientists look at live cells without using stuff that could hurt them. Now, the world of looking at tiny things is getting even better. Today, we have high-tech microscopes that use computers and lasers. These let us see and even change tiny things in ways we never could before.

Modern Microscopy's Diverse Arsenal - Today, the field of microscopy boasts a diverse range of specialized instruments, each tailored to address specific scientific needs. Here's a glimpse into some remarkable examples:

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Imagine a high-tech camera that captures images using a beam of electrons instead of light. That's the essence of a SEM. By scanning the surface of a sample with a focused electron beam, SEMs generate detailed information about its topography and composition. This makes them ideal for studying the intricate structures of materials like insect wings, microchips, and even pollen grains.

Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM): While SEMs provide exceptional surface detail, TEMs take us a step further. They function by transmitting a beam of electrons through a very thin sample, allowing us to observe its internal structure. TEMs are the go-to instruments for visualizing the intricate world of viruses, organelles within cells, and macromolecules like proteins.

Confocal Microscopy: Ever wished to focus on a specific layer within a thick biological sample and blur out the rest? Confocal microscopy makes this possible. It utilizes a laser beam to precisely illuminate a chosen plane within the sample, effectively eliminating information from out-of-focus regions. This allows researchers to create sharp, three-dimensional images of cells, tissues, and even small organisms.

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): This technique takes a completely different approach, venturing into the realm of physical interaction. AFM employs a tiny cantilever, akin to a microscopic feeler, to physically scan the surface of a sample. By measuring the minute forces between the cantilever and the sample's surface, AFM can map its topography at an atomic level. This provides invaluable insights into the properties of materials at an unimaginable scale, making it crucial for research in fields like nanotechnology and surface science.

Fluorescence Microscopy: Imagine illuminating a sample with specific wavelengths of light and observing it glowing in response. That's the essence of fluorescence microscopy. This technique utilizes fluorescent molecules or tags that bind to specific structures within a cell or tissue. When excited by light, these tags emit their own light, highlighting the target structures with remarkable clarity. This allows researchers to visualize specific proteins, DNA, or even pathogens within biological samples.

Super-resolution Microscopy (SRM): Overcoming the limitations imposed by the wavelength of light, SRM techniques like STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion) and PALM (Photoactivated Localization Microscopy) achieve resolutions surpassing the diffraction limit. This allows researchers to visualize structures as small as 20 nanometers, enabling the observation of intricate cellular machinery and the dynamics of individual molecules within living cells.

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM): This powerful technique takes a snapshot of biological samples in their near-life state. Samples are rapidly frozen at ultra-low temperatures, preserving their native structure and minimizing damage caused by traditional fixation methods. Cryo-EM has been instrumental in determining the three-dimensional structures of complex molecules like proteins and viruses, providing crucial insights into their function and potential drug targets.

Correlative Microscopy: Combining the strengths of multiple microscopy techniques, correlative microscopy offers a comprehensive view of biological samples. For instance, researchers can utilize fluorescence microscopy to identify specific structures within a cell and then switch to electron microscopy to examine those structures in high detail. This integrated approach provides a deeper understanding of cellular processes and their underlying mechanisms.

Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM): Imagine illuminating a thin slice of a sample within a living organism. LSM achieves this feat by focusing a laser beam into a thin sheet of light, minimizing photobleaching and phototoxicity – damaging effects caused by prolonged exposure to light. This allows researchers to observe dynamic processes within living organisms over extended periods, providing valuable insights into cellular behavior and development.

Expansion Microscopy (ExM): This innovative technique physically expands biological samples by several folds while preserving their structural integrity. This expansion allows for better resolution and visualization of intricate cellular structures that would otherwise be difficult to distinguish using traditional microscopy methods. ExM holds immense potential for studying the organization and function of organelles within cells.

Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM): This innovative technique pushes the boundaries of resolution by utilizing a tiny probe that interacts with the sample at an extremely close range. SNOM can not only image the surface features of a sample with exceptional detail but also probe its optical properties at the nanoscale. This opens doors for research in areas like material science and photonics, allowing scientists to study the behavior of light at the interface between materials.

X-ray Microscopy: Stepping outside the realm of light and electrons, X-ray microscopy offers unique capabilities. By utilizing high-energy X-rays, this technique can penetrate deep into samples, making it ideal for studying the internal structure of dense materials like bones and minerals. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of elements within a sample, providing valuable information about their distribution and composition.

From revealing the building blocks of life to aiding in the development of new medicines, the microscope has played an undeniable role in shaping our scientific understanding. As technology continues to evolve, one can only imagine the future breakthroughs this remarkable invention holds in unveiling the secrets of our universe, both seen and unseen. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize our understanding of biological processes, develop new materials with extraordinary properties, and ultimately pave the way for breakthroughs in medicine, nanotechnology, and countless other fields. As we continue to refine and develop novel microscopy techniques and the future holds immense promise for further groundbreaking discoveries that will undoubtedly revolutionize our perception of the world around us.

[chetanagp]

The Transmission Electron Microscopy Market size was valued at USD 0.86 Billion in 2023 and the total Transmission Electron Microscopy Market revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 1.16 Billion

[chevaliermalfets]

I love how these kids are multilingual, they'll have a full conversation in French and just drop "TEM, motherfucker!!" in the middle of it

[whats-in-a-sentence]

Figure 7.14 shows a transmission electron micrograph of a thin section of a pea chloroplast.

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

[definitelynotshouting]

i was going through notes for biology (woo microscopes) and there's a type of electron microscopy called transmission electron microscopy and the acronym for it is TEM which made me think of you

p.s. you cant just say "the universe wasn't mourning his loss, it was simply welcoming him home" and expect me to continue learning peacefully what the heck man

-🍁

[forensicfield]

Types of Microscopes

1. Simple Microscope

2. Compound Microscope

3. Phase Contrast Microscope

4. Fluorescence Microscope

5. Electron Microscope

6. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

7. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

8. Dark Field Microscope

9. Dissecting Microscope (Stereo Microscope)

10. Digital Microscope

11. Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM)

12. Atomic Force Microscope (ATM)

13. Inverted Microscope

14. Acoustic Microscope

15. X-Ray Microscope

16. Polarizing Microscope

17. Metallurgical Microscope

18. Pocket Microscope

19. USB Microscope

20. Confocal Microscope

21. Laser Scanning Microscope

22. Differential Interference Contrast Microscope (DIC)

23. Near-field Scanning Optical Microscope (NSOM)

24. Raman Microscope

25. Super-resolution Microscope

26. Cryo-electron Microscope

27. Time-lapse Microscope

There is a wide range of microscopy techniques and instruments used in various fields of science and research.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Scientists reveal possible role of iron sulfides in creating life in terrestrial hot springs

An international team of scientists has published a study highlighting the potential role of iron sulfides in the formation of life in early Earth's terrestrial hot springs. According to the researchers, the sulfides may have catalyzed the reduction of gaseous carbon dioxide into prebiotic organic molecules via nonenzymatic pathways.

This work, appearing in Nature Communications, offers new insights into Earth's early carbon cycles and prebiotic chemical reactions, underscoring the significance of iron sulfides in supporting the terrestrial hot springs origin of life hypothesis.

The study was conducted by Dr. Nan Jingbo from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Dr. Luo Shunqin from Japan's National Institute for Materials Science; Dr. Quoc Phuong Tran from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and other researchers.

Iron sulfides, abundant in early Earth's hydrothermal systems, may have facilitated essential prebiotic chemical reactions, similar to the function of cofactors in modern metabolic systems. Previous studies on iron sulfides and the origin of life have focused primarily on deep-sea alkaline hydrothermal vents, which provide favorable conditions like high temperature, pressure, pH gradients, and hydrogen (H2) from serpentinization—factors thought to support prebiotic carbon fixation.

However, some scientists have proposed terrestrial hot springs as another plausible setting for life's origins, due to their rich mineral content, diverse chemicals, and abundant sunlight.

To explore the role of iron sulfides in terrestrial prebiotic carbon fixation, the research team synthesized a series of nanoscale iron sulfides from mackinawite, including pure iron sulfide and iron sulfides doped with common hot spring elements such as manganese, nickel, titanium, and cobalt.

Their experiments showed that these iron sulfides could catalyze the H2-driven reduction of CO2 at specific temperatures (80–120 °C) and atmospheric pressure. Gas chromatography was used to quantify methanol production.

The study found that manganese-doped iron sulfides exhibited notably high catalytic activity at 120 °C. This activity was further enhanced by UV-visible (300–720 nm) and UV-enhanced (200–600 nm) light, suggesting that sunlight might play a role in driving this reaction by facilitating chemical processes. Additionally, the introduction of water vapor boosted catalytic activity, further supporting that vapor-laden terrestrial hot springs may have served as key sites for nonenzymatic organic synthesis on early Earth.

To further investigate the mechanism behind the H2-driven CO2 reduction, the team conducted in-situ analyses using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS).

Results indicated that the reaction likely proceeds via the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) pathway, in which CO2 is first reduced to carbon monoxide (CO), which is subsequently hydrogenated to form methanol.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided additional insights, revealing that manganese doping not only lowered the reaction's activation energy but also introduced highly efficient electron transfer sites, thereby enhancing reaction efficiency. The redox characteristics of iron sulfides make them functionally analogous to modern metabolic enzymes, providing a chemical foundation for prebiotic carbon fixation.

This research underscores the potential of iron sulfides to catalyze prebiotic carbon fixation in early Earth's terrestrial hot springs, opening new directions for exploring life's origins and supporting efforts to search for extraterrestrial life.

TOP IMAGE: Scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals characteristics of the iron sulfide (mackinawite) catalyst. Credit: NIGPAS

CENTRE IMAGE: Simulated reaction of metal-doped iron sulfides catalyzing the H₂-driven reduction of CO₂ under various terrestrial hot spring conditions. Credit: NIGPAS

LOWER IMAGE: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of CO2 hydrogenation on the surfaces of pure iron sulfide and manganese-doped iron sulfide. Credit: NIGPAS

[microbes-in-hats]

Yersinia pestis

Yersinia pestis is the bacterium responsible for plague, with the most common manifestations being bubonic plague, septicemic plague, and pneumonic plague.

Image taken via transmission electron microscopy. Bar = 1 μm

Photo credit: Hans R. Gelderblom, Rolf Reissbrodt/RKI

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals (TZP)

Composition Y2O3 2-3, ZrO2 96-97 (wt%) [...] Processing Pressed powder mixtures sintered at 1400-1550ºC. Applications Where toughness, wear-resistance and refractoriness are needed e.g. extrusion dies, machinery wear parts and piston caps. Sample preparation Grind, polish, ion thin and carbon coat. Technique Bright-field TEM Length bar 600 nm Further information The comparatively low sintering temperature allows very fine grained (sub-micron), dense and so high strength as well as tough ceramics to be produced. The microstructure shows equiaxed, fine grains with little evidence of weakening grain boundary phases. Such microstructures have some of the highest values of toughness achieved in ceramics. Contributor Prof W E Lee Organisation Department of Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield

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[wolframcarbide]

[the-real-milo]

MAGNUS ARCHIVES BIOLOGY ACADEMIA

requested by @adozenforks :)

- just from reading something’s scientific name, you can picture it perfectly in your mind. this is odd, as you’ve never taken any Latin before

- your DNA model twists and turns on for eternity, an endless helix of nucleotides that you can’t look away from

- you’ve computed the Punnett squares. you Knew Graham’s parents, knew their blue eyes, and it just doesn’t Make Sense that Graham’s eyes are a deep, dark brown

- you cut into the oleander leaf hoping to examine the cellular structure with transmission electron microscopy. as soon as the scalpel gets past the skin, red beads of a viscous fluid drops from the plant. if you didn’t know any better, you’d say it looked like blood

- they brought in fetal pigs to dissect during class. opening your pig, the organs are smeared with … clown makeup?

- you copy the diagrams directly from your textbook, though you think it might be an outdated copy, or maybe a misprint with incorrect proportions. you don’t remember the tibia being that Long, when you look down to check your leg it seems to match the diagram exactly. by the end of the semester, you are a perfect, textbook specimen. your Professor asks you to stay after class for some, ah, extra lab experience

[dykeyuu]

girls who get sleepy in the transmission electron microscopy room