{"id":91,"date":"2024-09-26T20:42:34","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T20:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/?p=91"},"modified":"2024-11-08T16:01:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T16:01:42","slug":"cryoem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/research.unl.edu\/annualreport\/2024\/cryoem\/","title":{"rendered":"Transforming biomedical, ag science research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Nebraska\u2019s newest core research facility is revolutionizing understanding of molecular foundations and boosting the university\u2019s expertise in the biomedical and agricultural sciences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CryoEM Core Facility houses the state\u2019s first cryo-electron microscope \u2013 one of a handful regionally. The acquisition of cutting-edge equipment is expected to strengthen research ties with other University of Nebraska institutions and attract university, industry and national laboratory partnerships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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University leaders cut the ribbon during the grand opening celebration for the CryoEM Core Facility. From left: Sherri Jones, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation; Mark Button, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Jiantao Guo, professor of chemistry and director of the Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication; Eduardo Romero Camacho, research assistant professor of biochemistry and director of the CryoEM Core Facility; Daniel Schachtman, George Holmes Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture and director of the Center for Biotechnology; Tala Awada, associate dean and associate director of the Agricultural Research Division; and Lance P\u00e9rez, Fred Hunzeker Dean of Engineering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cryo-EM microscopy is a powerful imaging technique for observing biological molecules, complexes and cells at near-atomic\u202fresolution. Biological samples are cooled to cryogenic temperatures of at least negative 153 degrees Celsius, preserving the structure and function of the specimens more effectively than traditional methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the technology has existed for several decades, advancements in recent years have turned cryo-EM into a leading tool for research in drug discovery and development, plant biology, infectious diseases, pathology, animal science and\u202fmore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a grand opening celebration, university leaders praised the faculty for envisioning how a cryo-EM facility could bolster Nebraska\u2019s research endeavors.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication allocated funding from its National Institutes of Health Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence award to jump-start the effort. Soon, the project received support from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources\u2019 Agricultural Research Division, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and the Office of Research and Economic Development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eduardo Romero Camacho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A renovation of the Ken Morrison Life Sciences Research Center created space for high-throughput equipment, including a 200kV Glacios Cryo-EM Transmission Electron Microscope, a Falcon4i electron detector camera, aberration-free image shift and fringe-free\u202fimaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nebraska Center for Biotechnology, which has a long record of successfully managing life sciences research cores, oversees the cryo-EM core. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Already, researchers are using the equipment to develop inhibitor drugs to treat the Ebola virus; design three-dimensional RNA nanostructures and nanomachines; study large biomolecular complexes; and investigate plant and animal health, among other uses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are paving the way for transformative discoveries and research that advance the state of Nebraska, the nation and the world,\u201d said Sherri Jones, former interim vice chancellor for research and economic development. \u201cThis is just the beginning of discoveries to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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