European soft x-ray microscopy project begins at UCD The project aims to develop a soft x-ray microscope that can help scientists to understand the cellular origin of diseases. A four-year research project focused on the development of a soft x-ray microscope has officially commenced today (2 February). Compact Cell Imaging Device (CoCID) is a €5.7m pan-European research and innovation project, which will use soft x-ray-based methodology to enable fast and inexpensive three-dimensional imaging of whole internal structures of intact biological cells. This could provide valuable information for researchers to understand the disease pathways of viruses and aid the development of novel therapeutics. The project team hopes to achieve this by developing a lab-scale, soft x-ray microscope.