# Biological Soft X-ray Tomography at the Advanced Light Source

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2021 · $1,382,515

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The National Center for X-ray Tomography (NCXT) is a full-service, user facility for
biomedical imaging and research. NCXT Users, whether working on site or remotely,
have access to specialized microscopes and imaging techniques, in particular soft x-ray
tomography (SXT) and super-resolution cryogenic fluorescence
tomography (SR-CFT). In the US, these imaging modalities are only available at the
NCXT.
SXT microscopes visualize and quantify the mesoscale organization of biological cells,
including large eukaryotic cells. No stains or contrast agents are required for SXT
imaging. Before being imaged by the NCXT's transmission soft x-ray microscope at the
Advanced Light Source, cells are rapidly cryo-preserved; the only pre-imaging step
required.
SXT is highly complementary to other imaging modalities, particularly fluorescence and
electron microscopies. Mesoscale, 3D SXT reconstructions of an entire cell act as a
framework for the interpretation of other types of imaging and biophysical data,
allowing them to be viewed in the context of the whole cell.
XM2 is currently the only microscope of its kind in the Nation. The requested P30
funding will support the day-to-day operation of XM-2, together with the associated
user program and specimen preparation laboratories, and a program of upgrades to our
software/computing resources. During the funding cycle, we will achieve the following
specific aims:
Aim 1: Give the biomedical research community access to soft x-ray
tomography (SXT). The work of this aim ensures imaging cells by SXT remains an
option open to US researchers. Significant consideration will be given to making the
Resource as user-friendly as possible, particular towards the community of researchers
that work remotely.
Aim 2: Maintain and calibrate XM-2, the NCXT operated soft x-ray
microscope at the ALS. As with all synchrotron beamlines, XM-2 is a sophisticated
instrument that requires regular maintenance and calibration. We will take a
programmatic approach to ensure XM-2 is robust, reliable, and operates with minimum
unscheduled downtime.
Aim 3: Implement upgrades and enhancements to ensure the NCXT
remains `state-of-the-art.' Over the timescale of the funding cycle, new hardware,
software, and algorithms will become available, and some existing components will
reach their end-of-life. We will, therefore, carry out upgrades and enhancements to
maintain the NCXT at the `state-of-the-art.'

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10282433
- **Project number:** 2P30GM138441-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Carolyn A Larabell
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,382,515
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10282433

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10282433, Biological Soft X-ray Tomography at the Advanced Light Source (2P30GM138441-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10282433. Licensed CC0.

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