Close-up on cell biology

The dawn of the nano-era has placed a whole new array of tools in the hands of cell biologists who are keen to go deeper into the intricacies of how cells work. Forever pushing the boundaries, cell biologists are shifting focus from the micro- towards the nano- and even sub-nano level. To do so means having to find ever more creative ways of using not just biology, but also elements of physics, materials science and engineering. Biophysicists, nanotechnologists, nanofabricators and electrical engineers are working side by side to probe further into the cell.