Cryo-EM Back to Basics: A Three-Part Webinar Series

January 29, 2025

Build or refresh your foundation in cryogenic electron microscopy with a three-part webinar series led by Chief Scientific Officer Giovanna Scapin. Watch the chapters in sequence or go directly to the topic most relevant to your work: sample preparation and imaging, data processing and interpretation, or common limitations and the outlook for the field.

Cryo-EM Back to Basics Webinar Series

The series follows a practical learning sequence. Chapter 1 introduces sample preparation and imaging. Chapter 2 turns to data processing and interpretation, including particle selection and extraction as shown in the presentation. Chapter 3 considers challenges in cryo-EM, approaches for addressing them, and the future outlook for the technique.

ChapterPrimary topicViewer focus
Chapter 1Sample Preparation and ImagingStart with how samples are prepared and imaged for cryo-EM.
Chapter 2Data Processing and InterpretationFollow the path from particle images into data processing and interpretation.
Chapter 3Overcoming LimitationsReview cryo-EM challenges and the outlook for the technique.

Meet Giovanna Scapin

Giovanna Scapin, Chief Scientific Officer, leads all three sessions. Her presentation connects the stages of a cryo-EM workflow while giving each chapter a distinct focus. Viewers can use the sequence as an introduction or revisit individual chapters as a focused refresher.

Chapter 1: Cryo-EM Sample Preparation and Imaging

Begin with the experimental foundation of the workflow. This chapter focuses on sample preparation and imaging, setting up the concepts used in the later discussion of data processing and common limitations.

What this chapter covers

The role of sample preparation in a cryo-EM workflow

How imaging connects prepared samples with downstream analysis

A foundation for the processing and interpretation concepts addressed in Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Cryo-EM Data Processing and Interpretation

Continue from image collection into data processing and interpretation. The presentation includes particle selection and extraction, helping viewers understand how the quality of individual particles fits within the broader analysis workflow.

What this chapter covers

The transition from collected images to processing

Particle selection and extraction within the analysis sequence

Interpretation as part of the path from particle images toward structural understanding

Chapter 3: Overcoming Cryo-EM Limitations

Complete the series with a discussion of challenges in cryo-EM, ways those challenges may be approached, and the outlook for the technique. The presentation includes sample size and flexibility among the considerations discussed.

What this chapter covers

Challenges that can affect cryo-EM structure determination

Sample size and flexibility as practical considerations

The outlook for cryo-EM as a structure determination technique

Choose a Starting Point

Start with Chapter 1 if you want an overview of sample preparation and imaging. Go to Chapter 2 for data processing and interpretation. Choose Chapter 3 for a focused discussion of limitations and future outlook. Watching all three chapters provides the intended sequence from experimental setup through analysis and troubleshooting considerations.

Cryo-EM Back to Basics FAQ

Who is Giovanna Scapin?

Giovanna Scapin is the Chief Scientific Officer who presents the Cryo-EM Back to Basics webinar series. She leads the three chapters on sample preparation and imaging, data processing and interpretation, and overcoming limitations.

What does the Cryo-EM Back to Basics webinar series cover?

The series covers sample preparation and imaging in Chapter 1, data processing and interpretation in Chapter 2, and cryo-EM challenges and future outlook in Chapter 3.

Which chapter covers cryo-EM sample preparation and imaging?

Chapter 1 focuses on sample preparation and imaging. It provides the experimental context for the processing concepts introduced in the next chapter.

Which chapter covers cryo-EM data processing and interpretation?

Chapter 2 focuses on data processing and interpretation. The presentation includes particle selection and extraction as part of the analysis sequence.

What cryo-EM limitations are discussed in Chapter 3?

Chapter 3 addresses challenges in cryo-EM and approaches for working through them. Sample size and flexibility appear among the practical considerations, followed by an outlook for the technique.

Does TrueCourse provide cryo-EM services?

TrueCourse supports cryo-EM projects. Contact the team to discuss the scientific question, sample context, and the scope of support that may be appropriate for your program.

Discuss Your Cryo-EM Project

After watching the series, contact TrueCourse to discuss how cryo-EM may fit your structural biology program. Sharing the scientific question and available sample context can help frame the next conversation.

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