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Nanoparticles, Neural Cell, SHIM
Two PIF imaging tools enabled researchers to prove that the 30 nanometer gold particles were actually inside neural progenitor cells - a new capability. The micrograph at (a) shows the cell after exposure to the nanoparticles. A focused ion beam was used to mill away portions of the cell to reveal the interior. Researchers can mill an entire cell to reveal multiple cross-sections obtaining information about nanoparticle uptake. Image (b) shows a cutaway view of the cell corresponding to the dotted line in (a). The arrow points to a cluster of nanoparticles, which were then imaged with high resolution by a helium ion microscope (c), revealing nanoparticles (light-colored dots) near the cell membrane. A neuron also known as a neurone or nerve cell) is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. These signals between neurons occur via synapses, specialized connections with other cells. Neurons can connect to each other to form neural networks. A Scanning Helium Ion Microscope (SHIM, HeIM or HIM) is a new imaging technology based on a scanning helium ion beam. As the helium ion beam interacts with the sample, it does not suffer from a large excitation volume, and hence provides sharp images on a wide range of materials. Compared to a SEM, the secondary electron yield is quite high, allowing for imaging with currents as low as 1 femtoamp.
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