Hans Elmlund, Ph.D.
- Center for Cancer Research
- National Cancer Institute
- Building 538, Room 173
- Frederick, MD 21701-1201
- 301-846-1995
- hans.elmlund@nih.gov
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Hans Elmlund is an internationally renowned electron microscopist who pioneered the use of stochastic 3D reconstruction algorithms for analyzing images obtained with cryo-electron microscopy and graphene-liquid-cell electron microscopy. His laboratory develops novel algorithmic solutions to address the most difficult problems in areas ranging from structural biology to nanoscience.
Areas of Expertise
Hans Elmlund, Ph.D.
Research
Cryo-electron microscopy
My group develops algorithms to improve the subjective data quality assessment criteria often used during data acquisition by providing a computational platform for rapid image analysis and generation of unsupervised statistics to inform data collection in real-time and improve the image quality. We design algorithms that make unsupervised decisions about how to collect the data and create ‘intelligent’ microscopes via direct feedback between analysis and instrument.
Graphene-liquid-cell electron microscopy
My group develops algorithms for atomic-resolution structure identification of nanocrystals. The analysis of time-series data of nanocrystals imaged in solution to obtain 3D structural information is an emerging field of research with great potential for improving our understanding of the physiochemical properties of nanocrystals, which thermodynamically deviate from the expectations derived from the bulk material.
Despite incredible progress, atomic, biomolecular and cellular-based imaging technologies are typically utilized by research groups in relative isolation and thus are yet to generally reach their full potential. My group develops computational tools for integrating and visualizing data linking information across biological/chemical scales and different imaging modalities. This allows the translation of structure into function at the cellular and organism levels, which could lead to conceptual advances in a range of biological research fields.
Publications
SINGLE: Atomic-resolution structure identification of nanocrystals by graphene liquid cell EM
SIMPLE 3.0. Stream single-particle cryo-EM analysis in real time
Critical differences in 3D atomic structure of individual ligand-protected nanocrystals in solution
Rapid near-atomic resolution single-particle 3D reconstruction with SIMPLE
A Stochastic Hill Climbing Approach for Simultaneous 2D Alignment and Clustering of Cryogenic Electron Microscopy Images
Biography
Hans Elmlund, Ph.D.
Hans started his scientific career using a 300,000-volt helium-cooled electron microscope (EM) to image biological molecules operating as “machines” inside cells. He quickly realized that available computational methods were limiting progress and started to write his own specialized computer code to transform 2D EM images into 3D structures of biomolecules.
As a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, his theoretical work grew into the first version of the open-source program package SIMPLE. In 2014 he established his independent group at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Australia. At Monash, he developed game-changing new technologies for 3D structure determination and time-series analysis of movies obtained with aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy of individual nanoparticles tumbling in solution and developed algorithms allowing 3D reconstruction of biomolecules at near-atomic resolution in a matter of hours, using standard desktop computers.
Hans’ vision is to develop software that has the potential to accelerate discovery across multiple disciplines and make a significant impact on biomedical research world-wide. The tools available in the SIMPLE/SINGLE software packages that he created and leads the development of will facilitate drug development and allow characterization of the atomic structure of catalytic nanoparticles.
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