Cryo-EM advantages

We created this learning center to connect researchers around the world to the latest information on cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). While cryo-EM has been perceived as complex and out of reach, dramatic advancements over the last decade have made this technology more accessible and cost-effective than ever before. With cryo-EM, molecular details can be seen at biologically relevant resolution, helping researchers understand protein function and disease mechanisms, and facilitating effective drug design.

Cryo-EM learning center

This resource hub contains rich and reliable technical content designed for new and experienced researchers who are exploring the capabilities of cryo-EM. Learn about cryo-EM at your own pace.  Our technical experts are here to support you every step of the way.

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Cryo-EM expert testimonials

We have collaborated with researchers across the globe to develop content that can be consumed at any pace, from any place, free of charge!

EM-University

EM-University

Visit EM-learning.com to learn about the foundations of cryo-EM, including the single particle analysis (SPA) workflow, via step-by-step instructions, expert demonstrations, and theoretical lessons.

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Ask the Experts series

Ask the Experts series

These interactive Q&A sessions offer you the chance to stay connected to the latest science through conversations on unique topics.

Watch sessions on-demand

Register for upcoming webinars

Expert interviews

Expert interviews

Watch these interviews to learn how our customers and products are impacting the latest life science research.

Hear from cryo-EM experts




Cryo-EM podcasts series

Cryo-EM podcasts series

Get to know some members of our scientific community and their latest work.

Listen to cryo-EM podcasts





Cryo-EM webinars

Cryo-EM is helping researchers unlock some of life’s greatest biological mysteries. Recent advancements to workflows and instruments enable scientists to expand their labs’ capabilities in a variety of therapeutic areas. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers monthly webinars to highlight the latest updates and insights from these cutting-edge techniques.

On-demand content
Getting started in Cryo-EM: Virtual Workshop

Date: November 17, 2022
Time: 8 a.m. PST | 11 a.m. EST | 5 p.m. CET
Speakers: Natalia de Val, Zuben Brown, Veer Bhatt

In this virtual workshop, join our experts for a demonstration of the EM workflow—from sample preparation to data collection—on the Thermo Scientific Tundra Cryo-TEM and see how easy and convenient is to get started with cryo-EM.

Register now

From Structure to Function: Combining the Power of Cryo Electron Microscopy and Mass Spectrometry for Deeper Insights

Date: December 6, 2022
Time: 8 a.m. PST | 11 a.m. EST | 5 p.m. CET
Speakers: Pascal Albanese, Edward Pryor, Albert Konijnenberg and Rosa Viner

Dr. Pascal Albanese discuss the characterization of a key enzyme of the central carbon metabolism of Pyrococcus furious, through an integrative approach combining structural mass spectrometry, cryo-electron microscopy, mass photometry and molecular modelling with molecular dynamics simulations. He will describe how his lab unveiled the structural organization of phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (PPSA).

Register now

Single particle analysis webinars

Single particle analysis webinars

Single particle analysis (SPA) is a cryo-EM technique that enables structural characterization at near-atomic resolutions, unraveling dynamic biological processes and the structure of biomolecular complexes/assemblies.

Watch now
Cryo-tomography webinars

Cryo-tomography webinars

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) delivers both structural information about individual proteins and their spatial arrangements within the cell. Cryo-ET can bridge the gap between light microscopy and near-atomic-resolution techniques like single-particle analysis. Watch now to see how cryo-ET is opening literal windows into cells.

See how
MicroED webinars

MicroED webinars

Micro electron diffraction (MicroED) is an exciting new technique with applications in the structural determination of small molecules and proteins. With this method, atomic details can be extracted from individual nanocrystals (<200 nm in size), even in a heterogeneous mixture. Learn how MicroED is transforming structural determination.

Watch how

Integrative structural biology webinars

Integrative structural biology webinars

Integrative structural biology uses structural and functional information from various techniques, including mass spectrometry and cryo-EM, to arrive faster at a more complete picture of the protein and its function. See how integrating data helps you to understand structure-function relationships.

Learn more

Cryo-EM eBooks


Getting started in cryo-EM

Cryo-EM can determine structures of challenging proteins without the need for crystals and can provide insights into how these proteins function in a way that other methods simply cannot. Learn more about adopting cryo-EM and how it can advance your research.

Discover cryo-electron tomography

Results from cryo-electron tomography are having profound effects on our understanding of cell biology, revealing native cellular architecture with molecular clarity. Explore a curated collection of publications highlighting the use of cryo-ET.


Frequently Asked Questions

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) describes an increasingly popular group of techniques including single particle analysis, micro-electron diffraction, and cryo-tomography. These techniques are performed on cryo-transmission electron microscopes (cryo-TEMs), which are specialized TEMs designed to operate at cryogenic temperatures. Cryo-EM has gained popularity in various research areas like structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology due to the structural and functional insights it provides. With cryo-EM, molecular details can be seen at biologically relevant resolution, helping researchers understand protein function and disease mechanisms, and facilitating effective drug design.

High resolution structural characterization
  • Samples of various sizes, complexity, and flexibility can be studied with cryo-EM
  • Examples:
    • Dynamic proteins
    • Macromolecular complexes
    • Membrane proteins
    • Multi-conformation protein samples
Reduced challenges during sample preparation
  • Sample crystallization is not required
  • High sample purity and volume is not as limiting as alternative techniques
  • Lower volume sample size is needed
Near-native research conditions
  • Study functional in vivo state of molecules
  • See how samples interact with other marker molecules or compounds
  • Observe mechanisms for membrane proteins
  • Multiple conformations can be identified from one data set corresponding to different states of the protein or complex
Accelerate time to results
MisperceptionFact
Cryo-TEMs are too expensive to purchase
  • Cryo-EM is more affordable than ever, with the launch of the new Thermo Scientific Tundra Cryo-TEM priced less than $1.5M. Funding is available via public, government, private and philanthropy sources, as well as through financing and leasing options from Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Cryo-EM labs are too expensive to maintain
  • Ongoing cost of ownership and service fees have been proportionally reduced to match lower microscope costs. Financing is available to bundle these costs together to simplify budgeting and streamline the PO process.
Cryo-EM labs require specific expertise and dedicated personnel
  • The Tundra Cryo-TEM was built for both expert microscopists and new users alike. Automation, templates, and AI reduce manual steps and lower the complexity of experiment setup.
Cryo-EM sample prep takes too long and data collection is too slow
  • Sample prep has been streamlined for many sample types, while faster cameras with optional energy filters have accelerated data collection.
myths-preview_250x160

Discover the facts behind the five most common misperceptions and learn how you can get started in cryo-EM. 

Download the infographic

We’ve made design improvements to our microscopes to address the need for a smaller footprint and easier access path. In many cases, this avoids the additional investment and unwanted lab downtime for significant modifications to an existing infrastructure or the need for a purposely built lab. See our Guidance for Planning a Cryo-EM Laboratory.

DimensionsTundra Cryo-TEMGlacios 2 Cryo-TEMKrios G4 Cryo-TEM
Height
  • 2.74 meters
  • 2.8 meters
  • 2.97 meters
Floor space
  • 3.8 x 4.0 meters (with the cryo loading station in a neighbor room)
  • 4.2 x 4.0 meters (with the cryo loading station in one room)
  • 3.6 x 4.2 meters
  • 6.7 x 5.1 meters
Datasheet

As the market leader in cryo-EM, we are uniquely positioned to help you and your team be successful at every stage of the adoption process, from financing, to guidance on facility requirements, to data processing and analysis. Learn about the accessible cryo-EM workflow and how to get started in cryo-EM.

 Download overview ›

When you are ready to take the next step, our experts can provide support and recommendations for funding your laboratory. We created the Electron Microscopy Funding Support Center where you will find more technical content, proposal writing tools, and financing information.

Our experts are here to support you and your team every step of the way. We can:

  • Help you gather the right information to submit a well-supported and accurate application.
  • Get you preliminary data and rationale for your proposal.
  • Provide information about financing and leasing solutions.
  • Discuss ideal workflow solutions and recommendations for your lab.
  • Schedule product demos.
  • And so much more!

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