Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis - CEMAS

A recent study from The Ohio State University is the first to describe how a specific protein orchestrates the step-by-step assembly of the molecular complex that performs the regulatory job.

By leveraging the advanced cryo-EM microscopy tools and expertise available through CEMAS, researchers visualized the assembly of a key molecular complex involved in gene regulation, revealing details that had long remained hidden within the cell. This work brings new clarity to one of biology’s enduring “black boxes,” revealing how cells precisely control gene activation at the molecular level.

Discoveries like this reflect CEMAS's role in the research ecosystem by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and supporting collaborations that turn complex data into meaningful insights.

Unsealing cells’ ‘black box’ strategy to regulate gene activation While scientists have known for over two decades that all cells use a strategy called RNA interference to regulate gene expression, a new study is the first to describe how a specific protein manages the step-by-step process of assembling the molecular complex that performs the regulatory job. Amon...

Ohio State researchers have taken some of the most detailed snapshots to date of a DNA repair protein crucial to cancers caused by BRCA mutations. Leveraging state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy at CEMAS, they uncovered the mechanism by which this protein recognizes and repairs damaged DNA.

By clarifying how this repair pathway works, the research provides a foundation for designing drugs that selectively block DNA repair in BRCA‑mutated cancer cells, potentially leading to more targeted and effective cancer therapies.

These findings were made possible by cutting-edge cryo-EM capabilities at CEMAS, which enable scientists to visualize molecular machines at near‑atomic resolution.

Best snapshots yet of DNA repair protein relevant to BRCA mutations Scientists have captured the most detailed structural images to date of a specific type of protein’s DNA repair process, a finding that could reveal ways to inhibit the effects of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that heighten the risk for breast, ovarian and other cancers. Previous research has shown t...

CEMAS recently welcomed Krishna Chinthalapudi, Associate Professor of Physiology and Cell Biology, as Associate Director of Biological Sciences!

This new strategic role supports the growing demand for advanced biological imaging and cryo‑EM, strengthening collaboration across engineering, medicine and life sciences. Dr. Chinthalapudi will help guide research priorities, strategic planning, major instrumentation and grant initiatives.

Read more:

CEMAS appoints Associate Director of Biological Sciences Professor Krishna Chinthalapudi steps into strategic advisory role

New insight from CEMAS 🔬

Using HRSTEM HAADF imaging, researchers can see the nucleation of a complex carbide within a microtwin in the fcc matrix of an additively manufactured Ni‑based superalloy. Postdoc Andreas Bezold was able to capture this image on CEMAS' Themis Z S/TEM.

Congratulations to this Ohio State research team on their recent publication in Nature Communications, which reveals new structural and functional insights into the cardiac sodium channel Nav1.5 using state‑of‑the‑art cryo‑electron microscopy and computational techniques. The insights provide important implications for cardiac arrhythmias and therapeutic targeting.

CEMAS supported this work by providing advanced cryo-electron microscopy capabilities. Publications like this underscore the value of collaboration in enabling high‑impact, interdisciplinary science and advancing discoveries that improve human health.

Read the full article:

Structural and functional mechanisms underlying activation gate dynamics and IFM motif accessibility in human Nav1.5 - Nature Communications Cardiac rhythm depends on tightly regulated sodium channel gating. Here, the authors determine the structure of human Nav1.5 in an intermediate open state and show how specific N-terminal interactions and ion binding near the IFM motif together regulate fast inactivation.

Research enabled by CEMAS’s advanced characterization capabilities is uncovering the microstructural origins of exceptional high‑temperature performance in next‑generation additively manufactured alloys.

Using a state‑of‑the‑art multi‑scale, multi‑modal approach, this work reveals why the alloy GRX‑810 exhibits extraordinary strength, oxidation resistance, and over 1,000× improved creep performance at 1093 °C compared to conventional AM Ni‑based alloys.

By leveraging X‑ray diffraction and advanced STEM‑based techniques available through CEMAS, researchers are establishing critical design guidelines for future 3D‑printable ODS alloys capable of operating in extreme environments

Read more:

www.sciencedirect.com

Congratulations to Research Professor Gopal Viswanathan on receiving a university Accelerator Grant 🎊

His project proposes an accelerated, high-throughput method to assess creep behavior of aerospace Titanium alloy by combining cantilever bending with digital image correlation (DIC).

Read more:

Fall 2025 Accelerator Grants Ten Ohio State research teams have been awarded up to $50,000 each in Accelerator grants through the President’s Research Excellence (PRE) program in the latest cycle. PRE Accelerator grants are reserved for small teams formed to pursue curiosity-driven, novel, high-risk and high-reward research.

Researchers have uncovered how a NbTaTiV high‑entropy alloy deforms under room‑temperature compression. Using advanced TEM techniques, the team found that deformation is dominated by low‑mobility screw dislocations gliding on {110} planes, with frequent junction formation contributing to strain hardening. The study, published in Acta Materialia, was led by Ohio State and AFRL collaborators.

CEMAS’ advanced electron microscopy continues to enable this level of atomic‑scale insight, supporting breakthroughs in alloy design and characterization.

High-entropy alloy deformation has screw-like formations, study finds NbTaTiV characterized with CEMAS equipment

📢 TODAY is the last day for early bird pricing for On the Scope!

The course provides a focused, in‑depth introduction to SEM fundamentals and advanced imaging techniques. Participants learn directly from experts, covering core SEM principles and practical operation skills. 🔬

This program is ideal for researchers, engineers, technicians and industry professionals working with materials characterization, imaging or nanoscale analysis.

Learn more and register:

On The Scope – A Masterclass in Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy On The Scope – A Masterclass in Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy, is an online training program covering the fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) operation, provided by The Ohio State University College of Engineering and Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis.

Happy 🔬 New research from Ohio State shows that simulated lunar dirt can be turned into extremely durable structures, potentially paving the way to more sustainable and cost-effective space missions through laser 3D printing.

Researchers utilized CEMAS' scanning electron microscopes to characterize the microstructures of the printed products.

Learn more:

Using moon dirt to build future lunar colonies Simulated lunar dirt can be turned into extremely durable structures, potentially paving the way to more sustainable and cost-effective space missions, a new study suggests. Using a special laser 3D printing method, researchers melted fake lunar soil – a synthetic version of the fine dusty materi...