Researchers Discuss New Protein Microscope

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 19: Student Bindesh Shrestha (L) and research scientist Yue Li talk as they operate a protein microscope that was recently developed by a team of scientists at The George Washington University's Institute for Proteomics Technology and Applications, during a media tour October 19, 2006 in Washington, DC. The protein microscope combines a mass spectrometer with laser sampling through a sharpened optical fiber to produce images and molecular analysis of living samples at a resolution of 100 nanometers, which is 30 times more powerful than optical microscopes. Scientists of the team claim the protein microscope has a potential to advance the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including neuromuscular ailments such as Lou Gehrig's disease, as well as HIV and cancer. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)