Neutze, who is a professor of biochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, has spent much of his research career examining molecular processes in nature. Over the years he has published a number of acclaimed studies using X-ray crystallography that reveal and explain key protein structures.

Neutze is now taking a major step in a new direction to image biological tissues rather than protein molecules. His aim is to use X-rays to create a three-dimensional model of how information moves and is processed in an advanced neural network, such as the neural system in our brains.

The study is being performed on Caenorhabditis elegans – a nematode (roundworm), one of the most thoroughly studied model organisms in biological research. The millimeter-long roundworms have a well-developed neural network, and are therefore well suited as study objects to describe the information flow in organisms.

“We’re using advanced X-ray microscopy to understand processes in the worm’s neural network that underpin memory formation and other behaviors. Understanding these processes in a simple organism is an important step toward understanding how they work in more complex life forms. We hope that our research will carry the field beyond its current limitations, and give new perspectives on how information flows through developed neural networks. This research may provide vital clues for understanding the underlying principles behind human neural networks,” he explains.

Boosting Sweden’s standing in the field of X-ray microscopy

Neutze’s research team has worked with synchrotron radiation and X-ray free electron lasers for 25 years. A central goal of this project is to enhance Sweden’s position in the field of X-ray imaging using synchrotron radiation. Neutze sees many advantages of this advanced technology, since the X-ray wavelength enables scientists to see extremely small structures in tissues at an incredibly high resolution.

The team’s goal is to visualize connections between neurons at a resolution of 20 nanometers or, to put it another way, 20 billionths of a meter. This is vanishingly small – a human hair has a diameter of about 80,000 nanometers.

“Great strides will be taking place in X-ray microscopy in the near future, which will open many doors for progress in medical research. The MAX IV laboratory in Lund gives Sweden every chance of being at the forefront of these advances, and our research will aid that development,” says Neutze.

When the project is completed Neutze hopes to have created a model capable of predicting specific behaviors of Caenorhabditis elegans and quantifying how information flows through its neural network. Among other things, this may serve as an important tool for studying and understanding neurodegenerative diseases, which break down neurons in the nervous system.

Building knowledge one step at a time

He stresses that he cannot be sure the project will succeed in all respects, but whatever the final outcome, a great deal of valuable knowledge will be obtained.

“I’ve always taken risks in my research, and am fortunate to be able to do so. The Wallenberg Foundation grant gives me scientific freedom, which is needed to aim high and have the courage to ask new questions,” he says.

Neutze points out that there is a perception of science as a world of sudden discoveries that have a major impact. But science is largely a question of taking one small step at a time.

“For me, research is absolutely the best way to explore the world.”

“The majority of research consists of small and important steps that are needed to make progress. You do something, and then improve it, and many years of small improvements will ultimately result in something fantastic. I believe that X-ray microscopy is now very close to such a revolution” he explains.

Still asking big question

Neutze has always been fascinated by the world of science. As a child he asked big questions about how everything fits together, and knew early on that he wanted to be a researcher. As a biochemist with his own research team, he sees it has hugely beneficial to collaborate with others in addressing important questions he is interested in.

“I enjoy my role as team leader and like building strong relationships. It’s also a great pleasure to see others succeed. Like many other researchers, I’m driven by curiosity, by the desire to have questions answered and really understand what the answers mean. For me, research is absolutely the best way to explore the world,” he says.

Text Ulrika Ernström
Translation Maxwell Arding
Photo Johan Wingborg