Scientists have used a helium ion microscope to capture the first-ever images of SARS-CoV-2 interacting with a human cell. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, could help scientists develop new ways to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The helium ion microscope, which is capable of producing high-resolution images of biological specimens, allowed researchers to see how the virus binds to the cell's surface and enters the cell. This process is essential for the virus to replicate and spread.

The images show that the virus uses a protein called the spike protein to attach to a receptor on the cell's surface. The spike protein then undergoes a conformational change, allowing the virus to fuse with the cell membrane and enter the cell.

The findings provide important insights into the early stages of viral infection, and could help scientists develop new drugs to block the virus from entering cells.

"This is a significant breakthrough that could help us understand how the virus interacts with the human body, and develop new ways to prevent and treat COVID-19," said Dr. Jason McLellan, a professor of molecular biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin.

The research was published in the journal Nature Microbiology.