"Cellular imaging at the nano- and meso- scales" 
The National Center for X-ray Tomography develops novel cellular imaging technologies for biological and biomedical research. In particular, we are spearheading the development of soft x-ray tomography as a new tool for visualizing the internal structure of whole, hydrated cells. A major part of this development has been the design and construction of XM-2, the world's first soft x-ray microscope for life science research. This new microscope -located at the Advanced Light Source of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory - is now fully operational and in high demand.
We are also developing correlated light microscopy methods, specifically high-numerical aperture cryo-light microscopy. Used in conjunction with soft x-ray tomography, this new modality allows cryopreserved specimens to be sequentially imaged using soft x-rays and light (fluorescence). In which case, x-ray tomography visualizes the detailed, 3-dimensional sub-cellular architecture, whereas light-based imaging provides information on the positions of fluorescent-tagged molecules within the cell. These two pieces of data can be overlaid to form a single, information rich image that provides powerful insights into cell structure and the local environment of the fluorescent-labeled molecule. This information can be integrated with molecular biology, genetics and computer modeling to greatly increase our understanding of cell biology.
Click on top image to the right for recent journal covers featuring work from the NCXT
The NCXT operates as a NIH research resource for biomedical technology. If you are interested in becoming a user of the NCXT, please visit the For Users section of this site.
The NCXT is a joint program between the University of California, San Francisco and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and is very grateful to be in receipt of joint funding from the Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health.
Science meets art
After a recent public lecture by Dr. Le Gros, the New Zealand artist gamma ℏ was inspired to paint her interpretation of the research being carried out at the NCXT. This oil on canvas - called 'McBeam' - measures 6ft x 5ft and is currently on display in Wellington. Click on the image to the right to see a larger photo of this stunning piece.