Connect with us

Technology

Seeing is Believing: New Probes Reveal Proteins Inside Living Cells with Unprecedented Clarity

Published

5 months ago

on

Developed by Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Multicolor Imaging Technology Lets Researchers Track Proteins and Cellular Activity with Exceptional Precision and Minimal Background

BRONX, N.Y., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fluorescent probes have transformed modern biology by allowing researchers to tag and visualize individual molecules in living cells, tissues, and animals. Using these tools, researchers can watch viruses infect cells in real time, observe cellular trash collection, and track the signaling that spurs tumor growth. Now, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a new molecular imaging technology that illuminates proteins inside living cells and animals far more clearly than before. Described in today’s issue of Nature Methods, the system uses engineered fluorescent nanobodies—tiny antibody-like protein fragments—that light up only when they bind to their specific targets.

“The key advantage of our approach is that the signal appears only where the target protein is present,” said Vladislav Verkhusha, Ph.D., a co-corresponding author on the study and professor of genetics and co-director of the Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center at Einstein. “That eliminates the background glow that has long limited the precision of intracellular imaging.” The study’s other co-corresponding author is Axel Nimmerjahn, Ph.D., professor at Salk.

Solving a Key Imaging Problem
Over the past decade, fluorescent nanobodies have emerged as powerful tools because they bind to specific proteins in living cells. However, conventional versions glow whether or not they are attached to their targets, producing diffuse background signals that obscure fine details.

To overcome this limitation, the researchers engineered a new class of probes called VIS-Fbs (visible-spectrum target-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies). These probes rapidly degrade if they do not bind to their intended target; only when bound do they become stable and brightly fluorescent. This “on-demand” fluorescence reduces background noise by as much as 100-fold, enabling much sharper visualization of protein location and dynamics.

The researchers created versions of their VIS-Fb probes that fluoresce across nearly the entire visible spectrum, from blue to far red, making it possible to track multiple proteins or cellular processes within the same living cell at once.

A Versatile Platform
Rather than create a single probe, Dr. Verkhusha and colleagues developed a modular engineering platform for building VIS-Fb probes that can be adapted to many targets and experimental needs. By integrating more than 20 different fluorescent proteins and biosensors into multiple nanobody scaffolds, they created a flexible toolkit with multiple capabilities.

With this approach, multiple proteins can be tracked simultaneously in different cellular compartments using VIS-Fb probes that emit distinct colors, enabling true multicolor imaging within the same cell. Certain VIS-Fb variants can also be activated, or switched on and off, with light, making it possible to follow protein behavior over time with high spatial and temporal precision. Incorporating biosensors for ions and metabolites further allows the probes to report not only where proteins are located but also what they are doing in real time, providing direct insight into cellular activity. In addition, combining stable reference signals with activity-sensitive fluorescence enables ratiometric measurements that improve the accuracy of quantifying cellular processes, even in complex environments such as living brain tissue.

“The VIS-Fb approach allows us to identify and track specific cell populations in living organisms based on the proteins they express, rather than just their location,” said Natalia Barykina, Ph.D., the first author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Verkhusha’s lab.

The researchers demonstrated the system in a range of living models. In mice, VIS-Fb probes enabled precise imaging of central nervous system activity in neurons and astrocytes, with strong signal quality during behavior. In zebrafish embryos, the technology allowed real-time tracking of dynamic changes during early development and in response to drugs that alter signaling pathways.

“Our results show that this imaging platform offers a much clearer and more precise view of how proteins behave inside living systems,” Dr. Verkhusha said. “It opens the door to studying complex biological processes, such as cell signaling, development, and disease progression, in new ways.”

Additional Einstein authors include Juliana Mendoça-Gomes, Ph.D. and Sofia de Oliveira, Ph.D. Additional authors are Erin Carey, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, and Olena Oliinyk, Ph.D., University of Helsinki, Finland.

The title of the paper is “Synthetic multicolor antigen-stabilizable nanobody platform for intersectional labelling and functional imaging.” Funding sources include the National Institutes of Health: GM122567 (V.V.), NS123719 (A.N.), and GM118027 (S.dO); the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation (220011); the Research Council of Finland (360277); the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Foundation (MET-000000045); the NOMIS Foundation Neuroimmunology Initiative; and the Edwards-Yeckel Research Foundation.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier academic centers for basic science research, clinical investigation, and biomedical education. Located in the Bronx, Einstein is home to nearly 1,000 M.D., Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. students and more than 2,000 full-time faculty members. Einstein receives approximately $200M in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) each year and houses six NIH-funded research centers, in cancer, intellectual and developmental disabilities, clinical and translational research, AIDS, and two in diabetes. In partnership with Montefiore Health System, Einstein advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments that benefit patients. For more information, please visit einsteinmed.edu, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and view us on YouTube. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seeing-is-believing-new-probes-reveal-proteins-inside-living-cells-with-unprecedented-clarity-302749422.html

SOURCE Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

Submarine Networks World x Subsea Security World 2026 – enacting GUIDE starts here!

Published

5 minutes ago

on

September 10, 2026

By

Submarine Networks World x Subsea Security World 2026: the flagship annual event for the global subsea industry returns to Singapore

SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Submarine Networks World 2026 (organised by Terrapinn), steps up another level and will be welcoming over 1,500 subsea fibre leaders and 150+ industry speakers from across the globe to Sands EXPO & Convention Centre in Singapore on September 23rd and 24th.

The introduction of the new Subsea Security World theatre, focused on the biggest talking point of the last twelve months, increases attendance and participation from security sector specialists, national and regional government entities, navy, coastguard, policymakers and academics from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania.

“Subsea cables connect the world and protecting them has never mattered more. With the launch of Subsea Security World alongside our flagship event, 2026 brings together the commercial and security sides of the industry in one place for the first time. We’re thrilled to welcome back the global subsea community, as well as the policy makers and defence specialists shaping its future, to Singapore for what will be the largest edition yet, and the edition the industry has been waiting for”, Paul Clark, Managing Director (Asia), Terrapinn.

Everyone from cable owners/operators, consortium members, technology providers, innovators, consultants, service partners, government entities, financiers, surveying companies – the whole industry – will be onsite at the true ‘one-stop shop’ for any subsea cable project.

Meet with more than 80 sponsors, exhibitors and partners, including Title Sponsor – Nokia, Diamond Sponsors – Ciena and HMN Tech and Gold Sponsors ASN, APTelecom, BAE Systems, Center3, Digital Realty, EXFO, FiberHome, Fibersense, Huawei, Prysmian, ShinewayTech, SMD, Solwake, Starboard Maritime Intelligence and Telecom Egypt.

Attendees will hear from 150+ influential speakers from every inhabited continent around the world. Both mornings begin with the daily Keynote sessions, followed by 4 specialist theatres each day – Strategy, Cable, Data Centres & CLS, Network, O&M and Subsea Security World.

Keynote Speakers include:

Alan Mauldin, Research Director, TeleGeography Andy Palmer-Felgate, Submarine Cable Engineer, MetaGiuseppe Valentino, VP Product Management, Backbone & Infrastructure Solutions, SparkleNelson McMillan, Royal Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Adviser, Southeast Asia, UK Ministry of DefenceKent Bressie, Partner – HWG LLP / Legal Advisor, ICPC Nadia Krivetz, Director, Cable Resilience & Connectivity Centre, DFAT AustraliaCaptain Brett Dawe, Chief of Navy Liaison Officer to the Republic of Singapore Navy, Royal Australian NavySean Bergin, President & Co-Founder, APTelecomBevan Slattery, Founder, SUBCOMark Procter, Deputy CEO, Stavian HighTech InfrastructureAmbrogio Michetti, Chief Corporate & Revenue Officer, SparkleAmajit Gupta, Group CEO and MD, LightstormJim Fagan, Chief Executive Officer, EXA InfrastructureSasha Pearson, Policy Analyst, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)Woon Sien Loh, Senior Director, Infrastructure Planning & Market Development, Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA)Emily Kiernan, Head of Strategy and Investments, Telstra Digital InfrastructureRobert Pepper, Senior Fellow, Global Digital Inclusion PartnershipWalid Wakim, Chief Technology Officer of Systems, NokiaSavy Wei, Senior Network Solution Manager, HMN TechAmit Malik, Vice President, APJI Sales, Ciena

For event information and the full conference agenda, visit https://www.terrapinn.com/ExperienceSNW2026

PRNewswire is the Official Media Partner of Submarine Networks World x Subsea Security World 2026.

Press attendance is complimentary. Enquiries should be directed to:
Jessica Foong
Terrapinn Pte Ltd
Jessica.foong@terrapinn.com

About Submarine Networks World x Subsea Security World 2026:
Submarine Networks World x Subsea Security World 2026 will take place on 23-24 September 2026 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. Firmly established as the world’s largest annual gathering of the global subsea communications community, Submarine Networks World is the dedicated platform to exchange knowledge, explore the latest projects, develop strategies and form lucrative new partnerships to drive the industry forward. For 2026, Subsea Security World joins the event for the first time, bringing together the public, private and policy-making stakeholders shaping the future of cable security and protection.

About Terrapinn: 
Terrapinn has been sparking ideas, innovations and relationships that transform business for over 30 years. Using our global footprint, we bring innovators, disrupters and change agents together, discussing and demonstrating the technology, strategies and personalities that are changing the way the world does business. Whether you’re looking to make new connections, introduce a product or inspire change in your industry, we invite you to join us as agitators of change. Terrapinn – spark something.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/submarine-networks-world-x-subsea-security-world-2026–enacting-guide-starts-here-302875034.html

SOURCE Terrapinn Pte Ltd

Continue Reading

Technology

Iyuno’s Strategic Approach: Multi-Agent AI, Built Around Context

Published

5 minutes ago

on

September 10, 2026

By

Specialized AI agents are becoming an industry-wide shift. Iyuno applied that approach to one of media’s hardest problems: giving AI a memory that holds up across scenes, episodes, and seasons.

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iyuno, the world’s largest media localization company, today detailed the multi-agent engineering behind CLOE’s Contextual Memory, built on the belief that applying specialized AI agents to a narrow, well-defined problem outperforms brute-force scale.

Most enterprise AI deployments chase scale — bigger models, bigger context windows, bigger compute bills — and still lose narrative continuity across long-form video. CLOE takes a different approach, built on three principles:

Vertical Multi-Agent Orchestration. Instead of one monolithic model, a network of hyper-specialized micro-agents each performs a specific function, such as character relationship mapping, emotional intent, prosodic matching, or brand compliance, instead of relying on a single system to perform every task.High-Density, Low-Token Prompting. Raw video, audio, and script are synthesized into a structured knowledge graph first; agents work from compressed, high-signal context vectors instead of massive raw inputs, cutting token consumption and inference cost per title.Persistent Graph Memory. Agent outputs converge into one persistent ontology graph instead of being discarded after each task, so understanding compounds across a title, season, or franchise without compounding inference cost.

“Our focus was never building the biggest AI system—it was building the right one for media,” said David Lee, Founder & CEO of Iyuno. “For a broad, general-purpose problem, bigger models and more compute make sense. For a specialized domain like entertainment, that scale doesn’t buy you the thing that actually matters: narrative continuity. Specialized agents working off precise, high-density context get us state-of-the-art understanding at a fraction of the footprint, and that footprint doesn’t grow with catalog size the way monolithic approaches do. Every title we process makes the graph more capable, not more expensive to run.”

This architecture already runs Iyuno’s commercial suite: CLOE Enterprise (SaaS), CLOE Sub, CLOE Script, CLOE Dub, and CLOE Live — in live studio and streaming production today. Future announcements will detail how it extends into CLOE Skills across accessibility, marketing, and additional workflows.

About Iyuno

Iyuno (www.iyuno.com) is a leading provider of localization services for the media and entertainment industry. Trusted by top entertainment brands and creators worldwide, Iyuno offers comprehensive end-to-end localization services from 40 offices across 29 countries. Backed by a team of exceptional creative and technical talent, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge technologies, Iyuno proudly boasts the largest global footprint amplifying its dubbing, subtitling and media services offerings. The company is also the creator of CLOE, a contextual intelligence platform that transforms content into structured understanding, enabling AI-powered workflows across localization, accessibility, marketing, and emerging content experiences.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iyunos-strategic-approach-multi-agent-ai-built-around-context-302875036.html

SOURCE Iyuno

Continue Reading

Technology

Nel ASA: Enters framework agreement with Hydrasun as a European integration partner for PEM electrolyser solutions

Published

5 minutes ago

on

September 10, 2026

By

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nel ASA (Nel) (OSE: NEL) has entered into a framework agreement with Hydrasun to establish dedicated assembly and integration capabilities for the MC Series, Nel’s modular and scalable PEM technology platform. With this partnership, Nel gains an experienced integration partner in Europe, complementing its existing integration setup in the US and widening its delivery capabilities for the European market. Nel’s PEM stack production will continue at Nel’s Wallingford, Connecticut facility in the US.

Under the agreement, Hydrasun will develop production capabilities for the assembly and integration of Nel’s containerized PEM technology platform. Hydrasun will procure, integrate, and manufacture the balance of plant systems surrounding the electrolyser stack, enabling delivery of a fully integrated, modular, and containerized electrolyser offering, while stack production continues to be done by Nel from its Wallingford facility. The collaboration gives Nel an experienced integration partner in Europe at a time of growing demand for standardized, modular electrolyser solutions. It will expand Nel’s manufacturing flexibility and strengthen supply chain resilience, while bringing production capabilities closer to key growth markets. Hydrasun’s initiative is supported by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and will see Hydrasun invest in and upgrade its Aberdeen facilities to support clean technology manufacturing.

“This agreement marks a defining moment in Hydrasun’s evolution. For 50 years we’ve supported the energy industry in the areas of fluid transfer, power and control solutions, and clean energy, this investment builds directly on that industrial capability,” says James Gaskell, Chief Executive at Hydrasun. “Establishing Scotland’s first electrolyser assembly and integration facility is a proud milestone for the company and an important step forward for Aberdeen’s energy sector more broadly, ensuring the city has genuine clean energy manufacturing capability.”

The project is expected to contribute to the development of Scotland’s clean energy manufacturing sector by building on existing industrial competence in Aberdeen, supporting skills development, supply chain activity, and high-value employment. Hydrasun has stated that the initiative has the potential to create up to 12 new jobs while safeguarding a further 11 existing roles.

“We are pleased to be working with Hydrasun to establish an experienced European integration partner for our standardized PEM electrolyser solutions, the MC Series. As demand for standardized, modular systems grows, this collaboration enhances our ability to serve key markets while creating greater flexibility and scalability across our production network,” says Tushar Ghuwalewala, SVP PEM Operations at Nel.

For additional information, please contact:

Kjell Christian Bjørnsen, CFO, +47 917 02 097
Wilhelm Flinder, Head of IR, Communications and Marketing, +47 936 11 350

About Nel ASA | www.nelhydrogen.com 

Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in PEM and Alkaline electrolyser technology for production of renewable hydrogen. Nel’s product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/nel-asa/r/nel-asa–enters-framework-agreement-with-hydrasun-as-a-european-integration-partner-for-pem-electrol,c4392033

The following files are available for download:

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nel-asa-enters-framework-agreement-with-hydrasun-as-a-european-integration-partner-for-pem-electrolyser-solutions-302875040.html

Continue Reading

Trending