Working with Northumbria and Durham Universities, we have been awarded a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) grant to acquire the microscope.

The Northern Eye, as the new facility will be known, will feature the latest model specification of the cryo-EM and is the first in the UK, providing invaluable imaging capabilities to scientists across the region and beyond.

The microscope specialises in using extremely cold temperatures to take extraordinarily detailed pictures of tiny biological molecules and structures. Being able to see these molecules and structures in such detail will help researchers in many different areas, including the design of new biological materials that combines both biology and chemistry to provide an integrated understanding of human health.  

It will also enable studying how bacteria interact with humans, which is important for antibiotic resistance and understanding human diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer better.

The Northern Eye will be housed within the Newcastle University Structural Biology Facility, which is already equipped with a suite of other state-of-the-art microscopes and x-ray facilities.  The new scope has been funded through the Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the joint application was graded as ‘outstanding’ reflecting the tri-institutional partnership effort to bring the project to reality.

Commenting on The Northern Eye, project lead Professor Wyatt Yue, said:

We are thrilled and grateful to receive this award from the BBSRC.  It recognises a collaborative, regional effort and a clear commitment to build strengths in biosciences in the region.  

The machine will provide invaluable imaging capabilities to scientists across the north of England and promises to lead to many new biological discoveries and innovations.  

Find out more:

• Newcastle University lead and co-lead: Professor Wyatt Yue and Dr Jon Marles-Wright
• Newcastle University Structural Biology Facility: Dr Arnaud Basle
• Northumbria University lead: Professor Gary Black
• Durham University lead: Professor Ehmke Pohl
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) website