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> cut the sample into around 5,000 slices — each just 34 nanometres thick — that could be imaged using electron microscopes. Does anyone have any insight into
by eminence32 2y ago
> cut the sample into around 5,000 slices — each just 34 nanometres thick — that could be imaged using electron microscopes.
Does anyone have any insight into how this is done without damaging the sample?
- talsit 2y agoUsing a Microtome (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtome https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microtome).
- dredmorbius 2y agoNB: tome in Microtome has the same root as the T in CAT scan: computer aided tomography. Which is to say, slimly-sliced cabbage^W X-ray scans. It's also the tome as in book, more properly one volume of a multi-volume (or multi-part) set, though it now generally simply means any large book. <https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=tome https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=tome>
- themoonisachees 2y agoIncredible, love learning language facts like this.
- dredmorbius 2y agoEtymology is disturbingly addictive.
- habi 2y agohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomography https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomography: `The word tomography is derived from Ancient Greek τόμος tomos, "slice, section" and γράφω graphō, "to write" or, in this context as well, "to describe."`
- dekhn 2y agoThe sample is stained (to make thigns visible), then embedded in a resin, then cut with a very sharp diamond knife and the slices are captured by the tape reel. Paper: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.29.446289v4 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.29.446289v4 See Figure 1. The ATUM is described in more detail here https://www.eden-instruments.com/en/ex-situ-equipments/rmc-em-sample-prep-solutions/atumtome/ https://www.eden-instruments.com/en/ex-situ-equipments/rmc-e... and there's a bunch of nice photos and explanations here https://www.wormatlas.org/EMmethods/ATUM.htm https://www.wormatlas.org/EMmethods/ATUM.htm TL;DR this project is reaping all the benefits of the 21st century.