Tufts University has launched the COCOON lab, a new imaging facility that allows scientists to examine materials from the macroscale down to the nanoscale [1].

This capability is significant because it provides a comprehensive view of how a material's physical structure and molecular chemistry influence its overall function. By bridging the gap between different scales of observation, researchers can identify specific elemental compositions that were previously difficult to isolate in a single environment.

The facility is designed to reveal the physical structure, molecular chemistry, and elemental composition of materials across every scale [1]. This versatility allows the lab to handle a diverse range of samples, from biological organisms to synthetic technology.

One researcher said the facility is "allowing scientists to examine a butterfly wing, a living tissue or a microchip and reveal its physical structure..." [1]. This range of application suggests the lab will serve as a multidisciplinary hub for various scientific departments within the university.

The COCOON lab's ability to peer down to the nanoscale [1] means that scientists can now observe the smallest building blocks of a material without losing the context of the larger object. This integrated approach reduces the need to move samples between different specialized facilities, which can sometimes compromise the integrity of sensitive specimens.

By providing a streamlined path from macro to nano imaging, Tufts aims to accelerate the discovery of new materials and the understanding of complex biological systems [1].

“examine a butterfly wing, a living tissue or a microchip and reveal its physical structure”

The establishment of the COCOON lab represents a shift toward integrated multi-scale imaging. By consolidating the ability to see both the 'big picture' and the atomic-level detail in one facility, researchers can more accurately correlate a material's chemical makeup with its physical performance, potentially speeding up the development of new semiconductors or biomaterials.