Influenza viruses enter the body in small droplets and then attach to molecules on the cell surface. Teams from Switzerland and Japan developed a new method, ViViD-AFM, which combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence. Yohei Yamauchi at ETH Zurich led the work. The method can zoom in on the cell surface while the cell stays alive. It gives more detail than fluorescence alone and does not destroy cells like electron microscopy.
The researchers saw that cells actively try to take in the virus. The virus binds to receptors and moves until it finds a spot with many receptors. Clathrin shapes a pocket in the membrane and the cell makes a vesicle that carries the virus inside. The method can test drugs in cell culture in real time and could study other viruses or vaccines. The research appears in PNAS.
Difficult words
- droplet — Very small liquid particles in the air.droplets
- attach — To join or stick to a surface.
- atomic force microscopy — A lab technique to see tiny surface details.atomic force microscopy (AFM)
- fluorescence — Light given off by some chemicals or cells.
- receptor — A protein on a cell that binds molecules.receptors
- clathrin — A protein that helps form a cell pocket.
- vesicle — A small membrane sac that carries material.
- membrane — The thin layer that surrounds a cell.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think testing drugs in real time is useful? Why?
- Would you prefer research methods that do not destroy cells? Why or why not?
- Have you used a microscope at school? What did you see?
Related articles
Financial worries disrupt sleep in National Guard members
A study of full-time Army and Air National Guard members found that financial stress leads to tense bedtime habits and poorer sleep. Researchers measured stress, bedtime behaviours, and sleep using surveys and wrist actigraphs.
Disposable gloves can cause false microplastic counts
University of Michigan researchers found that coatings on disposable nitrile and latex gloves can leave stearate residues that look like microplastics. The contamination can affect filters and slides used for air, water and other samples.
Blocking a key immune signal may prolong post-surgery pain
A study led by Geoffroy Laumet found that blocking the immune molecule TNF-α after surgery in mice made pain last longer. The authors warn this does not mean stopping all anti-inflammatory treatment and call for targeted approaches.
Antibiotics on farms and rising resistance in East Africa
Antibiotic use on farms in parts of East Africa is increasing antimicrobial resistance. Poor access to veterinary care, weak rules and routine drug use on animals are driving resistant infections that affect people, animals and the environment.