WRAIR cryogenic electron microscope
The WRAIR cryogenic electron microscope (cryo-EM) is the newest capability in the Emerging Infectious Disease Branch and is unique within the Department of Defense. It will enable WRAIR and other DoD researchers to rapidly determine the high resolution, 3D structure of viruses, proteins, antibodies and drugs. The instrument is designed specifically for biological methods of single particle analysis, cryogenic electron tomography and microcrystal electron diffraction. Samples can be imaged without requiring extensive preparation steps and the automation system follows for 12 samples to be tested back-to-back. Two-dimensional images are captured by a direct electron detector as a video to account for the motion changes in atoms. The resolution of 1.2A results in an exact view of atoms positions within the sample. The 2D X-ray images from the outside and inside of the sample get aligned to create a #D image of the sample. (U.S. Army photo by Tyra Breaux/released)