Image by Utrecht University Developments
This stunning and detailed set of 3D images shows human respiratory cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It sheds light on the nature of infections and what doctors can do to combat them.
The Utrecht University researchers had to make improvements to an expansion microscopy microscopy technique in order to see cells and the structures on their surfaces. This research was published online earlier this month, but has not yet been reviewed by an academic journal. New Scientist reports that they were able to see objects up to 20 nanometers in a microscope. This was a tenfold increase which made the coronavirus, measuring 100 nanometers, clearly visible.
Images show how coronavirus alters cells and causes them to multiply. New Scientist also has a video explaining the process.
Scientists discovered that coronavirus after infecting host cells and multiplying as fast as it can, digs outwards from tiny filaments on the surface of microvilli, which is the spike protein. Scientists could learn more about the escape route and other ways the coronavirus can deform cells in order to develop better drugs or treatments. Although this is speculation at the moment, scientists can use any new information to make an impact on the future of this pandemic.
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