The University of Cambridge has yet again placed itself at the forefront of national scientific developments by unveiling the most powerful electron microscope in the United Kingdom.

The FEI Titan 3 Electron Microscope will allow scientists to analyse structures that are a million times smaller than the width of a human hair strand (less than 0.7 Anstrom), images previously invisible to the naked eye and common microscope alike.

The new machine is expected to play an invaluable role in numerous initiatives which encompass the fields of medical, environmental, and humanitarian research.

Notably, the microscope will be used as part of a fresh investigation into diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Both diseases, which result in slow debilitation of a person’s physical and cognitive abilities, are characterised by the depositation of amyloids proteins of only a few nanometres in length. Their impossibly tiny size meant that, up until now, they were simply too small to be viewed by other methods.

Other studies involving the FEI Titan 3 include research into the future of energy-saving lighting as well as the purification of contaminated drinking water in developing countries.

More advanced forms of energy-saving lights would greatly boost the reduction of UK’s carbon footprint, while the investigation into the use of ultraviolet lights to kill bacteria and viruses present in water will be of great benefit to developing countries with polluted water supplies.

By providing scientists with a more complete understanding of the structure of our universe, the FEI Titan 3 Electron Microscope can not only further the reach of science, but provide practical solutions to complex issues which dominate today’s world.

As David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science said at the unveiling of the new machine, “By capturing the sharpest possible images of individual atoms, researchers can swell their knowledge of how materials work to deliver far-reaching benefits for society.”