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An infrared and X-ray sensitive grid, developed by researchers at the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, could allow scientists to correlate the results of microscopic imaging techniques much more precisely than possible before. The system could lead to improved diagnostics and even novel treatments for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Biophysicist Lisa Miller explains that the invention is essentially a micrometre-scale metallic marking grid upon which biological, tissue, or other sample is placed prior to imaging with the method of choice. "When the findings are analyzed, the grid can be used to 'map,' or orient, the images to one another, allowing us to study multiple variables in a single sample and better understand how they relate to one another," Miller explains. Synchrotron-based infrared micro-spectroscopy (FTIRM) and X-ray fluorescence microprobe are currently used quite independently in disease characterization. They can discern subtle changes in proteins, as well as changes in the composition or concentration of inorganic trace metals, including iron, copper, and zinc. However, combining the results from such disparate techniques has become much easier thanks to the work of Miller and her team. The grid should allow important information regarding how organic and inorganic changes in a sample are related. "The X-ray and infrared-sensitive grid allows for the study of both pathological symptoms by precisely overlapping the results of these imaging methods," Miller adds, "This ability to correlate images will ultimately lead to a more complete picture of many disease states." The grid is deposited in two thicknesses on to an X-ray transparent material, such as Mylar. It can be composed of any metal, but gold is preferable. The "bars" of the grid are produced at just a couple of nanometres thick, although the metal surface itself is much thicker. The dual thicknesses make the pattern sensitive to both infrared reflectivity and x-ray fluorescence imaging. Once the images are collected, custom software uses the grid patterns to align the images and correlate them with each other, Miller explains. The researchers explain that the same technology could be used equally as well in monitoring and/or cleaning up environmental contamination, which is also characterized by the interplay of organic and inorganic factors. The team has also developed a version that is a single-layered grid that can be used to correlate light microscopy with x-ray fluorescence imaging. Related links:
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