IBM concocts microscope with ultra-fine resolution, current MRI bows down

The existing MRI has certainly been beneficial to humans everywhere, but IBM researchers are adamant on doing it one better. These gurus, working in tandem with the Center for Probing the Nanoscale at Stanford University, have demonstrated “magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with volume resolution 100 million times finer than conventional MRI.” What it’s all mean? In short, it could give scientists the ability to investigate complex 3D structures at the nanoscale level, and according to IBM, it may “ultimately be powerful enough to unravel the structure and interactions of proteins.” We know, only the nerdiest of you are amazed — nay, affected whatsoever — by that statement, but even the layperson can appreciate advanced methods of studying viruses, bacteria and other biological elements. A certifiably riveting demonstration vid awaits you beyond the break.

[Via TG Daily, thanks Speedy]

Continue reading IBM concocts microscope with ultra-fine resolution, current MRI bows down

Filed under: ,

IBM concocts microscope with ultra-fine resolution, current MRI bows down originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Researchers tapping into nanotechnology for sharper images

A team of scientists at the University of Glasgow just came into all sorts of cash, and they’ll be using it to advance imaging. If you’re looking for specifics (and we’re assuming you are), a £489,234 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council will be used to study a certain phenomenon called surface plasmon resonance, “which is an effect exhibited by certain metals when light waves fall onto their surfaces.” In short, the gurus behind the research are hoping to discover a method of “creating patterns or small nanostructures in the metal film on the CMOS, which should increase the sensitivity of the sensor and result in higher quality images.” The bad news? The project is expected to last until 2012, which is like, forever from now.

[Image courtesy of Photo]

Filed under:

Researchers tapping into nanotechnology for sharper images originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments