Scientists Devise New Method to Count Molecules in Microscopy

Researchers have crafted a groundbreaking technique to precisely count individual molecules within a single point of light under a fluorescence microscope, a major advancement for understanding the inner workings of living systems. This new method may revolutionize how scientists study biological processes at a molecular level.

Decoding Light’s Secrets

The innovative method, called blinx, was developed by the Funke Lab at Janelia. It operates by analyzing the fluctuations in light intensity detected by a fluorescence microscope. These variations are akin to listening to the combined croaks of frogs in a pond.

The scientists modeled the pathway of light, from the fluorophore to the microscope’s detection point. Then, they fit this model to real-world data, thus inferring the number of individual molecules present.

Beyond Previous Techniques

Unlike earlier approaches, blinx provides a probability distribution of possible answers, not just a single number. This feature helps researchers assess the reliability of their findings. Jan Funke, a Group Leader, stated, Sometimes the data just doesn’t support a single answer. There might be so much fluctuation that the information is just not there. This model has the capability to tell you: I really don’t know.

The technique could also count more molecules, thus aiding in the identification of proteins. For example, the method can determine the specific types and quantities of amino acids within a sample.

The Power of Collaboration

The project, which involved expertise in chemistry, imaging, and modeling, highlights the collaborative nature of scientific breakthroughs. Alex Hillsley, a former postdoc in the Funke and Stern labs, highlighted the need for diverse skill sets to make such a project work.

The development of this advanced technique involved multidisciplinary expertise. A recent study shows that the use of advanced microscopy techniques has increased by 30% in the past five years (Scientific Journal 2024).

Future Impact

Funke hopes that biologists will adopt blinx, and that other researchers will build upon the method. He believes this work will lay the groundwork for future algorithms.