Although proteins are the foundation of life on Earth, up until now it has been impossible to reliably capture a single protein in an image. Thanks to science and graphene — bonded carbon just one atom thick — we finally have a picture of one of the most building blocks of living organisms.
Researchers from Switzerland and Germany released a report detailing how they were able to take a photo of a single protein molecule on an “ultra clean” graphene surface. Using low-energy electron holography, the scientists were able to capture the shape of proteins without degradation.
To put that in context: the camera was able to capture an object just a few nanometers in length.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Identifying the structural details of single proteins could mean a breakthrough in biological analysis. Now that scientists have a possibly reliable method to take pictures of individual proteins that have been difficult to capture.
This could lead to important things, including potential breakthroughs in treatments for protein-related diseases like Alzheimer’s.
➤ First ever pictures of single proteins thanks to graphene sheet [New Scientist]
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.