The new sensors see. How the DNA works in living cells.

“Conceptual illustration of the bidirectional quantitative scattering microscope, which detects both forward and backwards scattered light from cells. This dual detection enables visualisation of structures ranging from whole-cell morphology to nanoscale particles. Credit: Horie et al 2025” (ScitechDaily, “Great Unified Microscope” Reveals Hidden Micro and Nano Worlds Inside Living Cells)

The major problem with all sensors, from satellites to microscopes, is. How to connect an extreme accuracy and large-area scanning? The answer can be that the same satellite, or another system, can have a wide-angle scanner and a scanner that uses highly accurate zoom. The system can also have a zoom objective that increases the zoom when the system detects something interesting. 

The new microscope uncovers the hidden world in living cells. This system can enable the control of biological processes in living cells. With incredible accuracy. The ability to control systems and their processes requires that the system observe what happens within itself. The new sensor. Called the great unified microscope, makes it possible to see into a living cell. The new system includes quantitative phase microscopy (QPM). This microscope uses forward-scattered light to detect structures at the microscale (in this study, over 100 nanometers), but it cannot access much smaller features. QPM is normally used to take images of the complex cell structure. 

Another sensor called “interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy takes a different approach by relying on back-scattered light and can pick up structures as tiny as single proteins. This makes it powerful for “tracking” individual particles and following rapid changes inside cells, but it does not offer the broad, whole-cell perspective that QPM provides.” 

(ScitechDaily, “Great Unified Microscope” Reveals Hidden Micro and Nano Worlds Inside Living Cells)

The system that uses both of those sensors. The QPM and iSCAT can handle cells better. The larger area scanner searches the interesting parts of the cells. An extremely accurate scanner observes single points. With high accuracy. 

“DNA Molecule Genetic Mutation A breakthrough live-cell sensor makes DNA repair visible as it happens, unlocking new possibilities in biology and medicine. Credit: Shutterstock. A new DNA damage sensor allows scientists to watch repair unfold in living cells with unprecedented clarity” (ScitechDaily, This New Sensor Shows DNA Repair in Real Time)

The third way is to use DNA bites as the scanners. The scanner system works like old-time gramophones. The cut DNA bite follows the surface, and the system follows how the form changes in the DNA. Another version. It is to use lasers. To follow how the DNA moves when the scanner pulls it above the structure. The new systems make it possible to see. 

How does DNA fix its errors in living cells? This makes it possible. To create new innovations in biotechnology. The ability to observe certain points in the DNA. It makes it possible. To include new base pairs or remove some other base pairs with incredible accuracy. These kinds of things are the tools. These are required for the new types of genetic engineering. 

https://scitechdaily.com/great-unified-microscope-reveals-hidden-micro-and-nano-worlds-inside-living-cells/

https://scitechdaily.com/this-new-sensor-shows-dna-repair-in-real-time-video/