New directions in single-molecule imaging and analysis

Optical imaging and analysis of single molecules continue to unfold as powerful ways to study the individual behavior of biological systems, unobscured by ensemble averaging. Current expansion of interest in this field is great, as evidenced by new meetings, journal special issues, and the large number of new investigators. Selected recent advances in biomolecular analysis are described, and two new research directions are summarized: superresolution imaging using single-molecule fluorescence and trapping of single molecules in solution by direct suppression of Brownian motion.