3D reconstruction of a virus particle using multiresolution MAPEM method.

Unlocking the Secrets of Viruses: How New Tech is Changing 3D Imaging

Kai Mendoza in Science & Nature August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Revolutionizing Virus Research with Multiresolution MAPEM: A Breakthrough in 3D Reconstruction"

Understanding viruses is crucial for developing effective vaccines and antiviral treatments. Visualizing their structure in three dimensions (3D) allows scientists to decipher how they assemble, infect cells, and evade the immune system. Traditional methods, however, often fall short due to limitations in image resolution and clarity. This is where innovative techniques like multiresolution Maximum a Posteriori Probability Expectation Maximization (MAPEM) come into play, promising a clearer and more detailed view of these tiny invaders.

Single Particle Reconstruction (SPR) is a widely used method that involves collecting two-dimensional (2D) projection images of numerous virus particles, all randomly oriented. Imagine taking thousands of snapshots of the same object from different angles. These images, captured using electron microscopy, are then computationally processed to reconstruct a 3D model. However, these images are notoriously noisy, and the reconstruction process is complex, demanding advanced algorithms to produce accurate results.

The challenge lies in improving the signal-to-noise ratio and compensating for the limited range of viewing angles achieved during data collection. This article explores how the multiresolution MAPEM method addresses these challenges, providing a pathway to high-resolution 3D reconstructions of symmetrical particles, ultimately advancing our understanding and treatment of viral diseases.

The Power of Multiresolution MAPEM

3D reconstruction of a virus particle using multiresolution MAPEM method.

The multiresolution MAPEM method builds upon conventional MAPEM techniques, which have already proven successful in suppressing noise and addressing incomplete angular sampling. This innovative approach refines the reconstruction process by incorporating prior knowledge about the symmetry of the virus particle being studied. Think of it as having a blueprint that guides the construction, ensuring a more accurate and reliable final product.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Symmetry Incorporation: Exploits the inherent symmetry of virus particles to improve reconstruction accuracy.
Median Root Prior: Utilizes statistical methods to reduce noise and enhance image clarity.
Multiresolution Approach: Employs a series of reconstruction grids with increasing dimensions, allowing for progressive refinement of the 3D image.
Iterative Refinement: Repeats the reconstruction process multiple times to optimize the final result.

The method works by starting with a coarse reconstruction grid and gradually increasing the resolution. This is akin to sketching the broad outlines of a drawing before adding finer details. At each stage, the algorithm refines the image based on the available data and prior knowledge, progressively improving the accuracy and resolution of the 3D model. This iterative process ensures that the final image captures the intricate details of the virus structure while minimizing the impact of noise and missing information.

The Future of Virus Imaging

The multiresolution MAPEM method represents a significant step forward in virus imaging, offering the potential to unlock new insights into viral structure and function. By providing more accurate and detailed 3D reconstructions, this technique can accelerate the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies, ultimately helping to combat a wide range of viral diseases. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated imaging techniques to emerge, further revolutionizing our understanding of the microscopic world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/978-981-10-5122-7_36, Alternate LINK

Title: Multiresolution Mapem Method For 3D Reconstruction Of Symmetrical Particles With Electron Microscopy

Journal: IFMBE Proceedings

Publisher: Springer Singapore

Authors: Erman Acar, Mo A. Baikoghli, Marie Stark, Sari Peltonen, Ulla Ruotsalainen, R. Holland Cheng

Published: 2017-06-13

Everything You Need To Know

How does multiresolution MAPEM improve the quality of virus imaging?

Multiresolution MAPEM enhances the accuracy and resolution of 3D images of viruses. It does this by incorporating prior knowledge about the symmetry of the virus, utilizing a median root prior to reduce noise, employing a multiresolution approach with progressive refinement of the 3D image, and using iterative refinement to optimize the final result. This leads to clearer and more detailed visualizations of viral structures.

What is Single Particle Reconstruction (SPR) and what challenges does it face?

Single Particle Reconstruction (SPR) collects 2D projection images of numerous virus particles from different angles using electron microscopy. These images are then computationally processed to reconstruct a 3D model. The challenge with SPR is that these images are often noisy, and the reconstruction process is complex, requiring advanced algorithms to produce accurate results.

What are the key elements of the multiresolution MAPEM method, and how do they work together to create a detailed 3D image?

The method uses symmetry incorporation, median root prior, a multiresolution approach and iterative refinement. It starts with a coarse reconstruction grid and gradually increases the resolution, refining the image at each stage based on available data and prior knowledge. This iterative process ensures the final image captures intricate details while minimizing the impact of noise and missing information.

What are the potential implications of multiresolution MAPEM for developing new treatments for viral diseases?

By providing more accurate and detailed 3D reconstructions of viruses, multiresolution MAPEM can accelerate the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies. It allows scientists to better understand how viruses assemble, infect cells, and evade the immune system, ultimately helping to combat a wide range of viral diseases.

What aspects of the multiresolution MAPEM method and its applications are not covered and warrant further exploration?

While the text highlights the advantages of multiresolution MAPEM, it doesn't delve into the computational resources required or the specific types of viruses for which it's most effective. Further research might explore the method's limitations in imaging certain complex viral structures or its performance compared to other advanced 3D reconstruction techniques beyond conventional MAPEM.