Cryogenic electron microscopy

Cryogenic electron microscopy (or cryo-EM for short) is a super cool tool that allows scientists to look at really tiny things, like cells and molecules, in super duper detail.

First, they take a sample of the thing they want to look at and freeze it really quickly. This is because if the sample gets too warm or moves around too much, the scientists won't be able to see it properly.

Then, they put the frozen sample into a very special microscope that can zoom in really, really close. Inside the microscope, they shoot a beam of electrons (tiny particles) at the sample.

When the electrons hit the sample, some bounce off and some go through it. The ones that go through create a picture that shows what the sample looks like on the inside.

But here's the trick - because the sample is frozen, the electrons don't damage it! This means the scientists can take lots of pictures of different angles and put them all together to create a 3D picture of the sample.

This 3D picture can be really helpful for scientists to learn more about how cells and molecules work, and can even help them create new medicines or technology to help people.