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
January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the rise in virtual health visits
A study of 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members found that the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires caused large increases in virtual care, especially for respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms, and raised other outpatient visits.
Africa uses AI to strengthen health systems and self-reliance
At the CPHIA conference in Durban, Africa CDC said AI and digital tools can help protect 1.4 billion people, improve surveillance and support primary health care. Data governance, infrastructure and domestic financing are key concerns.
Parents' Attitudes Linked to Binge Drinking and Greek Life
A study finds that parents who are more permissive about alcohol are linked to students joining fraternities or sororities and higher binge drinking during the first college year. Authors suggest parenting programs to reduce risk.
Teen drug use in the US stays near pandemic low
For the fifth year in a row, use of most substances among US teenagers remains close to the low point reached in 2021, according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future survey. Some drugs rose slightly, and researchers say monitoring must continue.
Turning Water Hyacinth into Biodegradable Sanitary Pads
Researcher Pooja Singh and colleagues used invasive water hyacinth to make eco-friendly sanitary pads. Their project won an Elsevier award in Pune and aims to reduce water and plastic pollution while supporting women in local communities.