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	Image Processing in Biological 3D Electron Microscopy Three-dimensional electron microscopy (3D EM) is a powerful technique for imaging complex biological macromolecules in order to further the understanding of their functions. It is achieving high goals and exceeding expectations unthinkable only a few years ago. However, there are still some problem areas where either not enough work has been invested or the work has not as yet been fruitful. This project, headed by Gabor T. Herman, Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at The Graduate Center, assumes a multidisciplinary approach to shed light on three of these areas by the application of image processing techniques: - Incorporation of realistic image formation models into new reconstruction algorithms. - Incorporation of knowledge regarding the specimen obtained by means other than EM, such as high-resolution surface relief information and information regarding the chemical nature of the specimen. - Improvement of the rendering and the analysis of the reconstructed volumes by the development of more accurate segmentation (of the specimen from its background) and visualization algorithms. These basic aims have been complemented by a rigorous approach to validating claims of superiority of any of the newly developed methods over those used in current practice. Image processing methodology for obtaining more accurate structural information by 3D EM than what can be achieved by current techniques contributes to our understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms of some of the key cell functions, and, consequently, impact on the field of drug discovery. This work is relevant to cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and health and to blood research; and it is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the NIH with$1,262,500 spread over a period of four years. Adapted from Research Foundation 2002 Annual Report