The heat shock response of cells is a classic model of biological adaptation, part of the fundamental processes of life — conserved in creatures from single-celled yeast to humans — that allow our cells to adjust to changing conditions in their environment. For years, scientists have focused on how different genes respond to heat stress to understand this survival technique. Now, thanks to the innovative use of advanced imaging techniques, researchers are getting an unprecedented look at the inner machinery of cells to see how they respond to heat stress.