On May 6, 2011, Sandia announced a novel super-resolution microscopy technique that is providing new answers to old questions by unveiling never-before-seen detail of the cell membrane.

Using imaging techniques the researchers discovered that TLR4 proteins cluster in the membrane when confronted with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from E .coli, which increases cell signaling and response. Interestingly, LPS derived from the bacteria that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, do not cause the same effects. This finding, which marked the first time such small events could be imaged and compared, could explain why some pathogens are able to thwart the human immune system.

The insights gleaned from the research could open doors to new diagnostics, prevention, and treatment techniques. The research supports Sandia’s biological threat reduction programs and could be expanded to support biofuels research.