Featured
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Article |
Adaptable, turn-on maturation (ATOM) fluorescent biosensors for multiplexed detection in cells
Adaptable, turn-on maturation (ATOM) biosensors use monobody or nanobody targeting to control fluorescent protein maturation for fluorescence in the presence of target biomolecules, enabling bright and specific cellular biosensing.
- Harsimranjit Sekhon
- , Jeung-Hoi Ha
- & Stewart N. Loh
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Article |
Monitoring protein conformational changes using fluorescent nanoantennas
Fluorescent nanoantennas represent a versatile detection strategy for monitoring fast, large- and small-scale protein dynamics.
- Scott G. Harroun
- , Dominic Lauzon
- & Alexis Vallée-Bélisle
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Research Highlight |
Tracking protein conformation in live cells
A simple ‘binder/tag’ approach allows tracking of individual protein conformation changes in live cells.
- Allison Doerr
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Review Article |
Advances and challenges for fluorescence nanothermometry
This Review on nanothermometry introduces the many types of nanothermometers and their cellular and in vivo applications, as well as best practices for accurate measurements.
- Jiajia Zhou
- , Blanca del Rosal
- & Dayong Jin
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Technology Feature |
May mechanobiology work forcefully for you
Mechanical measurements would be easy if cells were homogeneous objects — they’re not.
- Vivien Marx
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Perspective |
FRET as a biomolecular research tool — understanding its potential while avoiding pitfalls
Best practices for carrying out and reporting ensemble FRET measurements in the cuvette and in cells.
- W. Russ Algar
- , Niko Hildebrandt
- & Igor L. Medintz
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This Month |
Yamuna Krishnan
A probe for a journey into bubbles and why it’s good to be both inventor and discoverer.
- Vivien Marx
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Article |
A pH-correctable, DNA-based fluorescent reporter for organellar calcium
The DNA-based, ratiometric fluorescent reporter CalipHluor enables quantitative imaging of pH and calcium in acidic organelles with single-organelle resolution. The probe was used to identify a lysosome-specific Ca2+ importer in animals.
- Nagarjun Narayanaswamy
- , Kasturi Chakraborty
- & Yamuna Krishnan
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Brief Communication |
Single-DNA electron spin resonance spectroscopy in aqueous solutions
Single DNA molecules can be detected in aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures by electron spin resonance spectroscopy with diamond sensors.
- Fazhan Shi
- , Fei Kong
- & Jiangfeng Du
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Brief Communication |
A hybridization-chain-reaction-based method for amplifying immunosignals
isHCR allows multiplexed, sensitive detection of immunostained proteins in cultured cells, as well as in dense and cleared tissue.
- Rui Lin
- , Qiru Feng
- & Minmin Luo
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Research Highlights |
Glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles for deep imaging
A class of semiconductor polymer particles can be used for afterglow imaging to avoid autofluorescence when imaging deep structures in living animals.
- Christian Schnell
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Technology Feature |
Probes: FRET sensor design and optimization
Trial, error and the art of optimizing 'molecular rulers' that sense molecules or interactions.
- Vivien Marx
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Research Highlights |
A magnetic alternative to FRET
A new approach measures nanoscale distances based on magnetic resonance tuning.
- Allison Doerr
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Article |
Genetically encoded biosensors for visualizing live-cell biochemical activity at super-resolution
New fluorescent biosensors enable the first super-resolution imaging of enzyme activity in live cells via fluorescence fluctuation increase by contact (FLINC).
- Gary C H Mo
- , Brian Ross
- & Jin Zhang
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Tools in Brief |
Nanokits for single cells
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Research Highlights |
Making sense of NAD+ subcellular localization
A fluorescent NAD+ biosensor targeted to specific cellular compartments detects local fluctuation in NAD+ concentration.
- Vesna Todorovic
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Research Highlights |
Luciferase gets deep and sensitive
A luciferin analog enables highly sensitive bioluminescent imaging from deep within biological tissue samples.
- Richard Pattison
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Methods in Brief |
Nanopores for multiplexed protein sensing
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Research Highlights |
Yes to genetically encoded NO• sensors
Researchers have developed a set of fluorescent-protein-based sensors for endogenous nitric oxide.
- Rita Strack
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Article |
Transparent intracortical microprobe array for simultaneous spatiotemporal optical stimulation and multichannel electrical recording
Transparent micro-optoelectrode arrays enable simultaneous electrical recording and optical stimulation in precise alignment. Depending on the applied light levels, single-unit activity or behavioral responses can be optically evoked.
- Joonhee Lee
- , Ilker Ozden
- & Arto V Nurmikko
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Article |
DNA sense-and-respond protein modules for mammalian cells
A zinc finger–based modular DNA sequence–recognition system produces a customizable response signal that can induce apoptosis or detect virus-infected cells.
- Shimyn Slomovic
- & James J Collins
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Tools in Brief |
A DNA-based sensor for intracellular chloride
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Research Highlights |
Shape-shifting MRI probes
Tiny, environmentally responsive, magnetic resonance active nanostructures serve as shape-changing MRI sensors.
- Allison Doerr
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Research Highlights |
Diamonds for MRI
Three groups report key steps toward nanometer-scale magnetic resonance imaging using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.
- Allison Doerr
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Research Highlights |
Imaging without labels
Researchers report an optical method to detect and image single proteins without using any labels.
- Allison Doerr
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Research Highlights |
Stepping toward sequencing single proteins
An electronic, molecular fingerprinting method may lead to an approach to single-molecule protein sequencing.
- Allison Doerr
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Tools in Brief |
Microbially produced ultrasound reporters
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Tools in Brief |
Activatable photoacoustic probes
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Research Highlights |
Cells under pressure
A tiny silicon chip internalized by cells measures intracellular pressure changes.
- Allison Doerr
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Article |
Simultaneous DNA amplification and detection using a pH-sensing semiconductor system
A semiconductor chip, coupled to an ion-sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) pH sensor, can amplify and quantitate DNA in real time without dyes, cameras and external heating devices.
- Christofer Toumazou
- , Leila M Shepherd
- & Linglan Zhang
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Research Highlights |
Magnetic signaling control
Molecular assemblies on magnetic nanoparticles enable localized activation of signaling pathways inside cells.
- Erika Pastrana
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Research Highlights |
Dye shines bright
A tiny lightning rod made of two gold particles and a DNA pillar creates a hotspot that brightens fluorescent signals in zeptoliter volumes.
- Vivien Marx
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Technology Feature |
Nanotechnology imaging probes: smaller and more stable
Quantum dots, nanodiamonds and other nanomaterials broaden researchers' tools for watching biology.
- Monya Baker
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Research Highlights |
Reading cells from within
A nanoscale field-effect transistor with a three-dimensional probe-presentation design can record intracellular potentials from single cells.
- Erika Pastrana
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Brief Communication |
Spontaneous network activity visualized by ultrasensitive Ca2+ indicators, yellow Cameleon-Nano
Engineering of the Ca2+-sensing domain in existing yellow Cameleon Ca2+ indicators is used to create indicators with a range of increased Ca2+ affinities capable of detecting subtle changes in intracellular Ca2+ at low resting levels.
- Kazuki Horikawa
- , Yoshiyuki Yamada
- & Takeharu Nagai
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Research Highlights |
Polymers for protein detection
Nanotube arrays, imprinted with proteins, can be used as biosensors.
- Monya Baker
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News & Views |
Advancing neurochemical monitoring
Two new approaches to neurochemical monitoring in vivo—an improved real-time microsensor and genetically engineered cells that sense neurotransmitter levels—address the critical issue of brain reactivity to implanted devices.
- Paul A Garris
Peptide sequencing based on host–guest interaction-assisted nanopore sensing