In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful tools scientists use to explore worlds far too small for the human eye: electron microscopy. While regular light microscopes let us see cells and some larger structures, electron microscopes open an entirely different universe—one where viruses, nanomaterials, atomic-level patterns, and incredibly fine biological details become visible.

We break down how these microscopes actually work, why electrons reveal so much more than light, and what makes the three main types—SEM, TEM, and cryo-EM—so different from one another. Instead of getting lost in technical jargon, we focus on the ideas that matter: how each technique interacts with a sample, what kind of images it produces, and the kinds of discoveries it makes possible.

From mapping the surfaces of microscopic organisms to seeing proteins frozen in motion, electron microscopy has transformed research in medicine, materials science, environmental studies, and more. You’ll hear how these instruments helped scientists visualize structures they once could only imagine, and how modern innovations are pushing the boundaries even further.