Single cell imaging of trace elements by laser ablation - inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry

许多疾病在细胞水平上起作用的确切机制还不清楚。微量元素对正常的细胞功能很重要，如果微妙的水平受到干扰，有可能造成重大损害。该项目将介绍一种新的、具有成本效益的替代同步加速器的方法，用于绘制单细胞中的微量元素。 这一突破性的科学将把一个普通的分析仪器变成一个强大的新工具，用于探索慢性疾病的细胞机制。这项前沿技术将有助于确定微量金属在神经退行性疾病发展中的作用。

The precise mechanism of how many diseases function on the cellular level is not well understood. Trace elements are important to normal cellular function and have the potential to cause significant damage if delicate levels are disturbed. This project will introduce a new, cost-effective alternative to the synchrotron for mapping of trace elements in single cells. This breakthrough science will transform a common analytical instrument into a powerful new tool for probing the cellular mechanisms of chronic illness. This frontier technology will help determine the role of trace metals in the development of neurodegenerative disease.