Optical Microscopy
Articles tagged with Optical Microscopy
Scientists discover surprising new way to control light
How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision?
Salk scientists and collaborators advance visualization technology using visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), reducing background fluorescence by up to a hundredfold. The new probe enables high spatial and temporal precision, allowing for real-time tracking of dynamic changes in living models.
Study reveals dynamic interactions between brain tumors and immune cells
Researchers at DZNE discovered complex, situation-dependent interactions between glioblastoma cells and microglia in the brain. The study found that microglial activity changes as tumors spread, influencing containment and spread of the disease.
MAPPI: a new system to learn how a plant's leaves, stem and roots mutually communicate under environmental stress
Researchers developed MAPPI, a system that enables real-time visualization of how a plant's leaves, stem, and roots communicate with each other in response to environmental stress. The system reveals bi-directional communication between leaves and roots, overcoming limitations of traditional microscopy.
Polarized-light imaging shows potential for distinguishing Ehlers–Danlos subtypes
Researchers demonstrate polarization-based microscopy as a tool for EDS diagnosis, detecting structural signatures in unstained biopsy samples. The study identifies five parameters that can differentiate classical from hypermobile EDS, reflecting variations in collagen organization.
Capturing the moment of organelle handoff inside living cells
For the first time, researchers have directly visualized how newly formed cellular organelles leave the endoplasmic reticulum and transition onto microtubule tracks inside living cells. The study reveals that the ER plays an active role in steering intracellular traffic.
ERC Proof of Concept Grant for innovation in low-temperature microscopy
A €150,000 ERC Proof of Concept Grant will help physicist Daqing Wang integrate his
Dual-scale imaging platform captures metabolic and vascular adaptations in vivo, offering new insights for cancer treatment strategies
A multidisciplinary team developed a dual-scale Capillary-Cell microscope to visualize tumor metabolism and vasculature dynamics. The platform revealed complex relationships between tumor vascular network and metabolic behavior, highlighting distinct adaptations based on local conditions.
IIT: a new microscopy technique that preserves the cell’s natural conditions
Researchers at IIT develop optical microscopy technique that combines polarization and dark-field microscopy to observe cells with high contrast, preserving their natural conditions. The next step involves using AI to enrich images with molecular information related to diseases.
Researchers from the UJI Optics Group correct image aberrations in real time in single-pixel microscopy using a deformable lens
Researchers from the UJI Optics Group have developed a new method to correct image aberrations in single-pixel microscopy using a deformable lens. This approach combines an adaptive lens with a sensor-less method that evaluates image sharpness directly from the data, producing sharper images close to the physical resolution limit witho...
The “Great Unified Microscope” can see both micro and nanoscale structures
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new microscope that can detect signals over an intensity range 14 times wider than conventional microscopes, enabling label-free observations of cells and particles.
High-resolution label-free imaging reveals stable organelle dynamics and spatial organization
High-resolution label-free imaging reveals stable organelle dynamics and spatial organization, overcoming phototoxicity and halo artifacts. ExAPC microscopy captures biomolecular condensate-like structures and cellular responses to drugs.
Characterization of few-cycle pulses tunable across the vacuum ultraviolet
Scientists at Max Born Institute develop technique to generate µJ-level tunable few-fs UV pulses in VUV range. They successfully characterized few-fs pulses tuned between 160 and 190 nm using electron FROG, revealing pulse duration of 2-3 fs.
Successful measurement of ultrafast electric fields: development of a diamond nonlinear probe
Scientists have successfully measured ultrafast electric fields using a diamond nonlinear probe, achieving femtosecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution. This breakthrough enables the detection of local electric field dynamics near surfaces with unprecedented precision.
A “seating chart” for atoms helps locate their positions in materials
A new computational method, DIGIT, enables optical microscopes to resolve individual atoms and zero in on their exact locations in a crystal structure. This technique can help guide the design of quantum devices and provide insights into advanced materials.
New and simple detection method for nanoplastics.
Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a new method to detect tiny nanoplastic particles using an optical sieve, which is less expensive and faster than traditional methods. The test strip can be used to analyze environmental samples, blood or tissue for nanoplastic particles.
Freeze-framing the cellular world to capture a fleeting moment of cellular activity
Cryo-optical microscopy captures high-resolution, quantitatively accurate snapshots of dynamic cellular processes at precisely selected timepoints. This technique enables the observation of transient biological events with unprecedented temporal accuracy.
Ångström-scale optical microscopy deciphers conformational states of single membrane proteins
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a new method to resolve specific sites within mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 in its native cell membrane state. The technique, using cryogenic conditions and rapid freezing, sheds light on how the protein flexes and expands in response to mechanical stimuli.
A new microscopy technique to capture the complexity of biological tissues
A new microscopy technique allows scientists to observe active cells, even in the presence of diseases, and understand how drugs interact with living tissues. The technique has been made available to the scientific community as Open Science, enabling rapid dissemination and further innovation.
Optical microscopy combined with AI could enable new avenues in precision medicine
A new method using label-free optical microscopy and artificial intelligence effectively identifies disease phenotypes in pancreatic cancer. The approach achieved nearly 90% accuracy in predicting tissue phenotypes, demonstrating the promise of combining light-based imaging with AI for precision medicine.
Aston University researchers develop new class of ultralow loss tuneable optical microresonators
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new class of ultralow loss optical microresonators that can be widely tunable and precisely controlled. The devices, formed at the intersection of two optical fibers, hold potential applications in communication, computing, sensing and more.
Piecing together the brain puzzle
A new microscopy method, LICONN, developed by ISTA scientists and Google Research, can reconstruct mammalian brain tissue with all synaptic connections between neurons. This technique uses standard light microscopes and hydrogel to achieve high resolution and opens up possibilities for visualizing complex molecular machinery.
Pushing the limits of brain imaging: A new tool for targeted delivery of imaging agents and drugs
A novel cannula delivery system allows repeated, nondisruptive delivery of imaging agents to the mouse brain during long-term multiphoton microscopy. This innovation enhances longitudinal studies on brain function, disease progression, and potential treatments.
Microscopy reveals signs of life in earth's extremes, boosting search for alien life
Researchers used video microscopy to explore extreme field sites on Earth, finding signs of microbial life in hot deserts, Arctic ice, and alkaline springs. The study highlights digital holographic microscopy as a tool for detecting life in space samples.
From handicap to asset: AI approach leverages optics phenomenon to produce better images
Scientists developed a method that harnesses chromatic aberration to produce high-quality images using a single exposure. The AI approach uses generative models to retrieve phase information from limited data input.
Chinese researchers make breakthrough in artificial chiral structural-color microdomes
Researchers have made a breakthrough in creating artificial chiral-structural-color materials, exhibiting iridescent colors through microscopic structures that interact with light. The new discovery enables the creation of microdomes composed of widely available polymers that produce exceptional dissymmetry and polarization selectivity.
A completely new type of microscopy based on quantum sensors
Researchers at TUM developed a new microscopy technique combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy with fluorescence microscopy, enabling high-resolution imaging of individual cells and structures down to the microscopic level. The technique has potential applications in cancer research, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
New microscope can image, at once, the full 3D orientation & position of molecules in cells
A new hybrid microscope allows scientists to image the full 3D orientation and position of an ensemble of molecules, such as labeled proteins inside cells. This can reveal the real biology hidden from just a position change of a molecule alone.
Butterfly wings inspire new imaging technique for cancer diagnosis
Researchers have created a new imaging technique that uses the nanostructures found on butterfly wings to analyze cancerous tissues, providing a simpler and more accessible tool for cancer diagnosis. The method has shown comparable results to conventional staining methods and advanced imaging techniques, offering a stain-free alternative.
Pushing the limits of ‘custom-made’ microscopy
Researchers have made a significant leap forward in Brillouin microscopy, providing a 1,000-fold improvement in speed and throughput. The new technology enables full-field imaging with minimal light intensity, opening up new possibilities for life scientists.
Genoa Instruments, a deep-tech startup born from the Italian Institute of Technology, secures €1 million funding round led by Deep Blue Ventures to transform super-resolution optical microscopy
Genoa Instruments has secured €1 million funding to expand its market presence, develop new products, and democratize access to super-resolution microscopy. The company aims to enable researchers and professionals worldwide to access cutting-edge imaging technology.
Applications of ultrafast nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging
Ultrafast nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging enable atomic-scale spatial and femtosecond-level temporal resolutions, allowing for the direct observation of fleeting quantum states and complex phenomena. This breakthrough permits real-time exploration of ultrafast interaction processes with unprecedented insights into material properties.
10,000 times faster than traditional methods: new computational framework automatically discovers experimental designs in microscopy
Researchers have developed an AI framework called XLuminA that autonomously discovers new experimental designs in microscopy. The framework performs optimizations 10,000 times faster than well-established methods, opening the path for exploring completely new territories in microscopy.
Controlling matter at the atomic level: University of Bath breakthrough
Researchers achieved control over competing reaction outcomes by selectively manipulating charge states and specific resonances through targeted energy injection. This breakthrough has profound implications for pharmaceutical research, potentially improving efficiency and sustainability.
Megapixel fluorescence microscopy through scattering layers made simple
Researchers introduce a new approach for megapixel-scale fluorescence microscopy through complex scattering media, resolving high-resolution images without requiring specialized equipment. This technique efficiently corrects distortions caused by light scattering, enabling clear imaging of dense targets.
Next step in light microscopy image improvement
A new computational model called Multi-Stage Residual-BCR Net (m-rBCR) uses a unique frequency representation to solve deconvolution tasks with fewer parameters and faster processing times. The model demonstrates high performance on various microscopy datasets, outperforming traditional methods.
Revolutionizing biology education: Scientists film ‘giant’ mimivirus in action
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have successfully captured viral infection process under a light microscope using the giant Mimivirus. The footage showcases the proliferation of the virus and its release from cells, highlighting its biological significance in ecosystems.
Accelerating 3D nanofabrication using a sensitive cationic photoresist
A new type of cationic epoxy photoresist exhibits greater sensitivity to two-photon laser exposure, enabling fast writing speeds and fine features. The material was developed by a research team led by Professor Cuifang Kuang, who achieved lithography speeds of 100 mm/s and resolution of 170 nm.
Novel artificial intelligence-based method for pathological diagnosis of hereditary kidney diseases
Researchers developed an AI-based method to analyze kidney lesions in female patients with Alport syndrome, predicting renal prognosis and guiding treatment interventions. The approach uses a modified stain and deep learning to detect basement membrane lesions, showing a positive correlation with proteinuria concentration.
12 new Oriental weevil species discovered using advanced imaging tools
Researchers used x-ray microtomography to discover and describe 12 new weevil species from Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The technique revealed significant morphological differences between species, which cannot be easily observed using other methods.
Revolutionizing optical imaging: Breakthrough non-invasive technology for imaging through scattering media
Researchers introduce a novel computational holography-based method for high-resolution, non-invasive imaging through highly scattering media. The technique drastically reduces measurements required and corrects over 190,000 scattered modes using just 25 holographic frames.
Researchers can measure distances in molecules optically
Scientists have developed MINFLUX microscopy to measure distances within biomolecules, down to one nanometer, and with Ångström precision. This allows for the detection of different conformations of individual proteins and the observation of their interactions.
Illuminating quantum magnets: Light unveils magnetic domains
Researchers successfully visualized tiny magnetic regions, known as magnetic domains, in a specialized quantum material using nonreciprocal directional dichroism. They also manipulated these regions by applying an electric field, offering new insights into the complex behavior of magnetic materials at the quantum level.
Researchers integrate fast OCT system into neurosurgical microscope
A new microscope-integrated OCT system has been developed to identify tumor margins during brain surgery, providing high-resolution images of subsurface anatomy. The system has shown promising results in clinical studies, with the potential to improve outcomes for neurosurgery procedures.
Smartphone-based microscope rapidly reconstructs 3D holograms
A new smartphone-based digital holographic microscope enables precise 3D measurements and has potential applications in medical diagnostics, education, and resource-limited settings. The portable device uses a simple optical system created with a 3D printer and calculates reconstructions based on a smartphone.
Freeze-frame: U of A researchers develop world's fastest microscope that can see electrons in motion
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a transmission electron microscope with attosecond temporal resolution, allowing scientists to observe electron motion in real-time. This breakthrough enables studies of ultrafast processes at the atomic level, paving the way for advancements in physics and chemistry.
Morphable materials: Researchers coax nanoparticles to reconfigure themselves
A new study enables the reconfiguration of nanoparticles, a step toward smart materials and coatings. The approach combines electron microscopy, computer simulations, and microscopic channels, allowing researchers to watch how nanoparticles react to changes in their environment.
Deep learning improves lens design
Researchers developed DeepLens design method based on curriculum learning to optimize complex lens designs. The approach considers key parameters like resolution, aperture, and field of view, providing optimal solutions without human intervention.
"Laser view" into the avocado: New method reveals cell interior
Researchers at the University of Göttingen developed a new approach to analyze cell properties, using random fluctuating movement of microscopic particles. The method, called mean back relaxation (MBR), can distinguish between active processes and temperature-dependent processes.
Advanced imaging reveals how a parasitic ‘kiss’ alters cell metabolism
Researchers used optical metabolic imaging to study the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on host cells. They found that infected cells became more oxidized and had changes in glucose and lactate levels, highlighting the parasite's impact on metabolism.
New microscopes available as public resource draw a crowd to Woods Hole
The Marine Biological Laboratory has introduced two new microscopes for biological and biomedical research, providing a valuable resource for scientists and students. The instruments enable correlative imaging, allowing researchers to confirm results in different ways, and are expected to influence further development of advanced imagi...
New computational microscopy technique provides more direct route to crisp images
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new microscopy technique called APIC that can produce clear, high-resolution images covering large fields of view without the need for iterative trial-and-error methods. This breakthrough eliminates guesswork and allows for faster, more accurate image acquisition.
Light-weight microscope captures large-scale brain activity of mice on the move
A new microscope developed by Rockefeller University's Alipasha Vaziri and team captures broad swaths of brain activity with unprecedented resolution. The lightweight microscope, weighing only a US penny, images the mouse brain across a 3.6 x 3.6 mm field of view with 4 μm lateral resolution.
Janelia scientists adapt astronomy method to unblur microscopy images
Researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have adapted a phase diversity method from astronomy to microscopy, generating clearer images of thick biological samples. The new method is faster and cheaper to implement than current techniques, making adaptive optics more accessible to biologists.
Laser-based 3D printing: A powerful tool to advance optical microscopy
Researchers developed a laser-based 3D printing method to fabricate high-quality micro-spheres for enhanced optical resolution. The new approach enabled the creation of a micro-sphere with near-perfect geometric quality and exceptional surface smoothness.
New momentum-space polarization filters enables high sensitivity nano imaging
Researchers developed an optical module with cascaded momentum-space polarization filters, enabling high SNR imaging of individual nano-objects. The technology improves conventional label-free optical microscopy sensitivity for single nanoparticles analysis.
Development of revolutionary color-tunable photonic devices
A team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a novel stretchable photonic device that can control light wavelengths in all directions. The device leverages structural colors produced through the interaction of light with microscopic nanostructures, allowing for vivid and diverse color displays.
Observing mammalian cells with superfast soft X-rays
Researchers developed a new technique to view living mammalian cells using ultrafast pulses of illumination from a soft X-ray free electron laser. The microscope captured images of carbon-based structures in living cells with high spatial resolution and a wide field of view, revealing new insights into cellular biology.
Illuminating neuro-vascular dynamics throughout the body: 3D-printed implants and bioluminescence duet shed light on brain–spinal interactions
A team of visionaries at the Carney Institute developed 3D-printed brain and spinal cord implants, revolutionizing surgical implantations and optical access. Bioluminescence imaging overcomes limitations of traditional fluorescent microscopy, providing unprecedented observation of neural and vascular activity.