TIRF Microscopy Showing Calcium Conductance (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Press Caption A new study in the Journal of Cell Biology uses a high-resolution imaging technique called optical patch-clamping to monitor calcium influx through pores formed by the Alzheimer's disease–related peptide A-beta. The approach allows the properties of every channel in a population to be measured simultaneously -- individual flashes of a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye (left) are detected by TIRF microscopy and converted into traces of calcium conductance (right). The imaging reveals that A-beta oligomers elevate calcium in cells by forming calcium-permeable pores in the cell's outer membrane. Credit Demuro, A., et al. 2011. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.201104133 Usage Restrictions Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.