Scientists have recently developed a miniaturized technique that can generate more precise measurements of a protein’s activity inside a cell. This technique, known as single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET), allows for the direct observation of protein conformations and conformational changes at the single-molecule level.

This breakthrough technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how proteins work in our cells. By directly observing the conformational changes of proteins, researchers can gain a better understanding of the cellular pathways in which they are involved—and this information can be used to develop therapies for diseases that involve protein misfolding. The miniature size of this technique also allows for the measurement of small proteins, which are often difficult to study.

This latest development in smFRET technology is a major step forward in the field of biophysics and will continue to open new doors of research for scientists.

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source: Phys.org