Rice University’s Center for Nanoscale Imaging Sciences (NIS) hosted its inaugural workshop, Imaging Across Scales from Atoms to Human, Nov. 14-16 at the BioScience Research Collaborative. The event brought together leading experts and researchers from across the country to explore advancements in cutting-edge imaging techniques, spanning the visualization of single atoms, individual molecules in cells and tissues and entire organisms, including the human body. Featuring an agenda with engaging speaker sessions during the day and poster presentations in the evening, the workshop integrated diverse imaging modalities to uncover new insights into the structure, function and characteristics of biological and materials systems.
“Our inaugural workshop aimed to foster collaboration among various experts and disciplines to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the field of imaging at the nanoscale,” said Anna-Karin Gustavsson, assistant professor of chemistry and director of NIS. “By leveraging the strengths of different types of imaging technologies, we are hoping to drive innovation and discovery and ultimately advance research through new imaging techniques.”
The workshop featured sessions on electron microscopy, optical imaging at the nanoscale and computational bio-imaging, emphasizing the integration of diverse imaging modalities to deepen understanding across disciplines.
The first day, organized by Yimo Han, assistant professor of materials science and nanoengineering, chemistry and electrical and computer engineering, focused on imaging atomic structures of materials and biomolecules. Discussions centered on the direct visualization of atomic structures and properties, a crucial aspect of advancing our understanding of materials and biomolecules. Cutting-edge techniques such as electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy were highlighted with applications in semiconductors, catalysts, proteins, small molecules and critical interfaces.
The second day, led by Gustavsson, delved into optical imaging at the nanoscale. Since the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy, nanoscale optical imaging has transformed our understanding of molecular dynamics and structures across disciplines like chemistry, biology and materials science. This session brought together researchers to share insights, inspire innovative approaches and foster collaborations to advance the field further.
The final day, organized by Lei Li, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering, and George Lu, assistant professor of bioengineering, emphasized next-generation computational bio-imaging and its critical role in modern health care. Topics ranged from smartwatches monitoring heart rates to sophisticated technologies like MRI, functional MRI, positron emission tomography and portable X-rays. The discussions explored emerging bio-imaging technologies, translating innovations from bench to bedside, and strategies for commercializing these advancements.
Attendees, including students and postdoctoral researchers, participated in poster sessions and flash talks, encouraging constant discussion, brainstorming and opportunities for future innovations.
“Our goal with the center, and through workshops like this one, is to tackle the complex challenges that lie at the intersection of science, engineering and medicine, driving innovation and collaboration to uncover transformative solutions,” said Gustavsson .
By fostering collaboration, the center aims to stimulate, enable and incentivize the integration of diverse approaches and methodologies to tackle key challenges in areas such as big data, smart microscopes and multimodal techniques that extend beyond the scope of a single research group. It is designed to break down traditional silos, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to accelerate discovery and innovation in nanoscale imaging.
“A significant challenge in advancing groundbreaking innovations in nanoscale imaging is the fragmented nature of current efforts, both at Rice and elsewhere, where independent research groups work in isolation scattered across departments and buildings,” said Gustavsson. “Our center seeks to address this issue by creating a cohesive environment that promotes synergy and interdisciplinary problem-solving.”