News Summary

• The breakthrough relies on what the researchers describe as the world's most intense focused continuous-wave laser.
• Rather than simply illuminating a specimen, the laser interacts directly with the microscope's electron beam, altering its phase to increase image contrast.
• This adjustment makes it easier to distinguish small molecules, including hemoglobin, from their surroundings.
• It could also improve the visibility of structures inside cells, such as the nucleus and mitochondria.