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September 25, 2006

Observing the Nanostructure of Chloroplast

Observing the Nanostructure of Chloroplast

Researchers Erica Elvey and Byron Williams of the Nanoscience Program at the University of Arkansas, use scanning probe microcopy to observe the nanostructure of chloroplast. As physical scientists, they are both attempting to apply tools normally reserved for the spatial and temporal exploration of nanostructures in physics and materials science to obtain unprecedented spatial images of biological nanoscale structures. In turn, biology offers to the physical sciences an enormous range of compelling questions. It also offers the opportunity to think about hybrid systems that combine biological and non-biological components. As a result, their effort will provide unprecedented detail in visual images that will be the genesis of substantial new insight into the role of nanoscale structures in the functioning of biological Systems.

The Arkansas Nanoscience Program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) activity. EPSCoR is a joint program between NSF and several U.S. states and territories that promotes the development of science and technology resources through partnerships between the state's research community and NSF. EPSCoR operates on the principle that aiding researchers and institutions in securing federal funding develops the state's research infrastructure and advances economic growth. EPSCoR seeks to maximize the potential inherent in the state's science and technology resources and to use those resources as a foundation for economic growth. Further information about the Arkansas EPSCoR activity is available at http://www.uark.edu/~epscor/index.html. (Date of Image: 2004)

Credit: Nanoscience Program, University of Arkansas


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