Neutrons are very well suited for studying the dynamics of individual atoms and molecules. The special instruments at ESS promise up to 1,000 times improvement of measuring performance compared with what is possible today. This dramatic improvement can be used for the study of atomic and molecular structures within many different biological fields.

The design of ESS will be particularly good for tender samples like living cells, that are often destroyed with other measurement techniques. Scientists can also see how different substances move into and out of the cells.

With neutrons, researchers can gain new insights about:

• The DNA molecules and proteins governing ageing and cancer
• How the skeleton is built up during childhood and is destroyed through osteoporosis, and thereby creating remedies for skeleton diseases
• Organ and body functions like muscles, teeth and digestion
• The creation of better and more durable medical implants
• Biological materials with complex structures, like blood and cell membranes
• Gene therapy
• Bio sensors
• Carbohydrates and cellulose