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Scientists at Caltech have used 4D electron microscopy to visualize the biomechanics of DNA.

DNA was made to vibrate with a laser pulse and then probed with electron pulses to observe the specimen in space and time, revealing the natural resonant frequency. With selective nanocutting, it was possible to determine the stiffness of the DNA filament at different points.

Pictures and a summary of the research are available from Caltech, along with details of the 4D electron microscope.

Swallowed capsules provide an alternative to endoscopes for gastrointestinal imaging. However, capsules produce lower resolution images and so are unsuitable for many investigations.

A new tethered capsule has been developed, which retains many of the benefits of capsules while providing cross-sectional microscopic images of the gut wall at 30μm × 7 μm resolution.

The new tethered capsule can rapidly provide three-dimensional, microstructural images of the upper gastrointestinal tract in a simple and painless procedure, opening up new opportunities for screening for internal diseases.