Analysis for Science Librarians of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Cryo-electron Microscopy. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wrublewski, Donna T.
• Is Part Of: Science & technology libraries. Volume 37:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry -- cryo-electron microscopy -- cryo-EM -- imaging -- biological molecules -- Jacques Dubochet -- Joachim Frank -- Richard Henderson; Science and technology libraries -- Periodicals; Wetenschappelijke bibliotheken; Natuurwetenschappen; Techniek; Sciences -- Bibliothèques -- Périodiques; Technologie -- Bibliothèques -- Périodiques; Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); 026.5
• DOI: 10.1080/0194262X.2017.1421494
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-262X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized three scientists for their contributions to developing the technique of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for the imaging and structure elucidation of biomolecules. Richard Henderson's dogged pursuit led to the first Ångstrom-level visualization of a biomacromolecule. Joachim Frank developed computational imaging techniques to produce 3D visualizations from collections of low-contrast EM images. Jacques Dubochet was the first to use vitrified, noncrystalline water as a medium for cryo-EM of biological specimens. Each of these scientists has contributed a key technique or insight into using cryo-EM to visualize biological particles that heretofore had been elusive to visualization. Recent improvements in electron detector technology have helped realize the fuller potential of cryo-EM.