This micrograph of genetically altered viruses appeared in the first-ever Image Awards exhibition. Belcher Lab researchers were studying the assembly’s structural properties, with an eye toward medical applications to complement their existing energy technologies, such as solar panels and electrodes.

In the ten years since, they have used the engineered viruses to assemble cancer detection probes, imaging systems for diagnostics and real-time guided surgery, and more. Incorporating dyes, fluorescent nanotubes, and other materials, the group is moving safe, low-cost, highly sensitive solutions toward the clinic while revealing the hidden depths of tumor cells and illuminating new insights into cancer.