CSB#5 - Wait, So We Can See Virus?

Although electron microscopes have been around since the 1930's, we have never been able to get a picture of the inside of a cell. Electron microscopes allow the outside membrane to be seen, or the inside if a stain is used, but virus can not be seen because they can't be dyed. However, last week, researchers have reported that we might be able to finally look at a "live" virus. This process allows researchers to look at a minimum distance of 50 nanometers or 0.00005 millimeters, 20 times smaller than the limit previously. Even at this magnification, scientists can now study DNA, virus, and other molecules without the use of more complex and less accurate fluorescent microscopes. In addition, Dr. Lin Li, the researcher who discovered the technology, reports that "Theoretically, there is no limit on how small an object we will be able to see." Although there is no limit to how small an object we can see with this new microscope, the technology itself is very simple. It involves small glass beads that are placed on the sample called a "microsphere." When focused correctly, these microspheres allow a sample to be focused up to 65,000 times its regular size. Though this doesn't even come close to an astounding 2 million times magnification by an electron microscope, it gives researchers cheaper tools and the possible ability to see "live" virus in action!


Even though the microscope is not as powerful as an electron micrsocope, it will soon become valuable in the industry of research for two main reasons. First, it will allow researchers who do not have the same financial capabilities to afford a 5-7 milllion dollar device, the ability to have a more powerful microscope. In addition, in the future, if magnification can be improved, then this microscope could begin to replace current electron models. It could allow us to view individual proteins or how the nucleolus function. This microscope could very well become the future of research, allowing us to look further into the smallest cell.


Bhanoo, S. N. (2011, March 2). A Tool Gives a New View, Virus-Level, of the
     World. New York Times.