Atomic Force Microscopy News and Research

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Atomic force microscopy is a type of scanning probe microscopy used to image the surface of a substance, but at an atomic level. It can map the surface structure of different substances to understand how different structures interact with each other. This is done using a cantilever, which is similar to a vinyl record needle.

High-speed atomic force microscopy sheds light on structure, dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins

Kanazawa University’s pioneering high-speed atomic force microscope technology has now shed light on the structure and dynamics of some of life’s most ubiquitous and inscrutable molecules – intrinsically disordered proteins.

29 Dec 2020

High-speed AFM enables real-time visualization of influenza A hemagglutinin during viral entry

Unlike living organisms, to avoid extinction, viruses need to hijack living host machineries to generate new viruses.

18 Aug 2020

High-sensitivity atomic force microscopy opens up for photosensitive materials

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) brought the atomic scale imaging resolution of scanning tunnelling microscopy, a technique that won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

6 Aug 2020

Understanding the dynamics of amyloids is crucial to treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

Even though specific amyloids are found to have a biological function, the formation of amyloids is often linked to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

5 Aug 2020

Evaluating the impact of sugary and acidic drinks on tooth enamel

Using atomic force microscopy, researchers have quantitatively assessed the effect of sugary and acidic drinks on human tooth enamel at the nanoscale level.

23 Jul 2020

A novel technique to control and visualize functions of living cells

A research group composed of Professor Takayuki Shibata and his colleagues at Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology has given greater functionalities to atomic force microscopy (AFM).

23 Jul 2020

Study shows how proteins prevent DNA replication errors

Two rereading proteins on the DNA assembly line collectively work as an emergency stop button to inhibit replication errors.

20 Jul 2020

New study could help develop artificial photosynthetic technology for energy production

Biological membranes perform significant functions in shaping the cell, transporting molecules, sensing the external environment, and producing energy for life.

14 Jul 2020

Study shows how the innate immune system fights off toxin-producing bacteria

The innate immune system is the main line of defense against infections caused by microorganisms.

24 Jun 2020

Cellular mechanophenotyping may help better understand tumor cells

Our ability to predict who will get cancer, how a patient will respond to treatment, or if a patient will relapse is still quite limited. Despite advances in the detection of genetic mutations and the establishment of risk factors, such as age and genetic variants, it remains a great scientific and medical challenge.

10 Jun 2020