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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Electron Microscopy01:25

Overview of Electron Microscopy

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The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
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Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

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To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...
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Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction01:07

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

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Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
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Cryo-electron Microscopy01:28

Cryo-electron Microscopy

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Conventional electron microscopy (EM) involves dehydration, fixation, and staining of biological samples, which distorts the native state of biological molecules and results in several artifacts. Also, the high-energy electron beam damages the sample and makes it difficult to obtain high-resolution images. These issues can be addressed using cryo-EM, which uses frozen samples and gentler electron beams. The technique was developed by Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, for...
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Transmission Electron Microscopy01:15

Transmission Electron Microscopy

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In 1931, physicist Ernst Ruska—building on the idea that magnetic fields can direct an electron beam just as lenses can direct a beam of light in an optical microscope—developed the first prototype of the electron microscope. This development led to the development of the field of electron microscopy. In the transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrons are produced by a hot tungsten element and accelerated by a potential difference in an electron gun, which gives them up to 400...
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Scanning Electron Microscopy01:07

Scanning Electron Microscopy

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A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

A Robust Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy cryo-EM Processing Workflow with cryoSPARC, RELION, and Scipion
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A Robust Single-Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy cryo-EM Processing Workflow with cryoSPARC, RELION, and Scipion

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Running an electron microscopy core facility.

Ilkka Miinalainen1, Eija Jokitalo2

  • 1Biocenter Oulu, Electron Microscopy Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.

Journal of Microscopy
|April 13, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Establishing and operating electron microscopy (EM) core facilities requires careful planning. This guide offers practical advice on infrastructure, training, safety, and management for biological and biomedical EM facilities.

Keywords:
biological electron microscopyelectron microscopy core facilityfacility managementresearch data managementsample preparation

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Area of Science:

  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Microscopy and Imaging Technologies

Background:

  • Electron microscopy (EM) is increasingly vital across scientific fields.
  • The rising cost and complexity of EM necessitate centralized core facilities.
  • Core facilities ensure accessibility, performance, and quality in EM research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide practical guidance for establishing and operating biological and biomedical EM core facilities.
  • To outline key considerations beyond light microscopy for EM facility management.
  • To identify strategic future directions for EM facilities.

Main Methods:

  • Drawing on operational experience from two EM core facilities in Finland.
  • Detailing essential aspects of facility infrastructure and technical needs.
  • Covering user training, sample preparation, and safety protocols.

Main Results:

  • Key operational areas include personnel and cost management.
  • Future strategic directions encompass sustainability, data management, and AI.
  • Distinguishing EM-specific needs from light microscopy requirements is crucial.

Conclusions:

  • Efficient, safe, and high-quality EM facility operations are achievable with proper planning.
  • Centralized EM facilities are essential for democratizing access to advanced imaging.
  • The strategic evolution of EM facilities must address sustainability, data, and AI integration.