The COCOON Lab provides a coordinated suite of microscopes that work together to connect macro-scale observations to findings at the nanoscale. This allows researchers to study biological and industrial materials in unprecedented detail, from the macroscale down to the molecular scale.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has received a $2.9 million federal grant to establish an advanced microscopy facility, enabling researchers to study cellular processes with nanoscale precision. The facility will house cutting-edge instruments like the MINFLUX microscope, which can visualize molecular events in brain cell...
SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2026
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that the nucleus is less dense than the surrounding cytoplasm, despite its rich biomolecular composition. The researchers used light to probe density at microscales and found a consistent nuclear-to-cytoplasmic density ratio across eukaryotes.
SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2025
A research team at Kumamoto University developed a deep learning-based method for analyzing the cytoskeleton more accurately and efficiently than ever before. This technique enabled more reliable measurements of cytoskeleton density, which is critical for understanding cellular structure and function.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalPROTOPLASMA·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025
Scientists developed a novel solvatochromic fluorescent dye that enables high-precision temperature measurements through changes in fluorescence properties. The researchers achieved exceptional sensitivity and resolution, ideal for bioimaging applications.
SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025
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Researchers developed an AI-powered technology that transforms low-resolution, label-free images into high-resolution, virtually stained ones without fluorescent dyes. This innovation delivers stable and accurate cell visualization, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2025
Researchers found that female locust's digging valves wear down significantly despite being used only 3-4 times in a lifetime. The study demonstrates the 'good enough' principle in evolution, where extra resources are not invested in organs with specific purposes performed adequately.
Researchers at Harvard University used confocal laser microscopy to examine ancient fossils of tardigrades, revealing a new species and confirming the existence of four previously unknown specimens. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of tardigrades, including their ability to survive extreme conditions.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 22, 2024
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...
Researchers at New York University create a new method to see inside crystals, revealing the position of every unit and creating dynamic three-dimensional models. This technique allows scientists to study crystals' chemical history and form, paving the way for better crystal growth and photonic materials.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 3, 2024
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A study published in Nature found that the response to hematopoietic insults differs across the skeleton, with certain bones specialized to respond to specific stresses. The research uses confocal imaging microscopy to count different cell types and provides new insights into blood cell production, potentially leading to improved treat...
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024
Researchers developed a compact microscope using a single photon avalanche diode array detector, enabling super-resolution imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. The system also combines fluorescence lifetime measurements for enhanced structural specificity.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 6, 2024
Researchers introduced a cost-effective solution to correct tilt and curvature errors in two-photon polymerization 3D printing. The method uses Fourier scatterometry, which offers lower uncertainties than traditional methods, resulting in improved image quality and precision.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateNov 7, 2023
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has been awarded $4.3 million by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to expand its imaging capabilities. The grant will support the procurement of two state-of-the-art microscopes that can perform advanced imaging techniques, including 2D and 3D reconstruction from electron and light microscopy.
Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique using STED technology to visualize individual fibers in amyloid plaques, providing higher resolution than conventional light microscopy. This breakthrough allows for better understanding of the structure and morphology of Aβ aggregates and their role in Alzheimer's disease progression.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCell & Bioscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 11, 2023
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A new nano-sized force sensor developed by Tampere University researchers allows for the measurement of intracellular forces and mechanical strains. This technology has great potential for studying cancer cells and understanding cellular mechanics.
SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2023
A new microscopy technique combines confocal Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy to analyze multiple dimensions of tissue, including morphology, chemical properties, and mechanical properties. The developed microscope has high spatial resolution and anti-scattering capability, providing clear images and accurate measurements.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 6, 2023
Researchers developed a new spectropolarimetric imaging technique called DIP-SP, which integrates a passive polarization modulator into an imaging spectrometer. This approach enables high-dimensional information capture from incomplete measurements and significantly improves image quality.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 12, 2023
Researchers discovered that air pollution particles trigger autophagy, a cellular defense process, which has an upper threshold and may reduce its effectiveness against other threats. This finding provides new insights into the link between air pollution and lung disease.
SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAutophagy Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2023
New research reveals that millipede segments contain tiny bundles of legs, which appear as transparent protrusions before molting. This discovery could help understand how not only millipedes but also other arthropods grow and develop.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
This technology uses light and sound to create images of the inside of the body. The research team developed a novel method that eliminates the need for ultrasonic transducers, allowing for non-contact photoacoustic signal detection and improved sensitivity. The technique has great application potential in various biomedical research.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023
The Janelia FlyLight Project Team has released over 74,000 images of fruit fly brain neurons, generated from more than 5,000 different genetically modified fly strains. These images are now freely available for scientists to quickly and easily find the neurons they need to test theories about the nervous system.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournaleLife·DateMar 1, 2023
Researchers developed high-throughput Raman microscope for rapid large-area imaging hundreds of times faster than traditional approach. The new technique enables label-free molecular analysis and multiplex chemical imaging, holding promise for efficient medical diagnoses and drug development.
SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 7, 2023
A new biopsy procedure is developed with a multispectral confocal endomicroscope to aid in lung tissue imaging. The system allows for simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent dyes, enabling unique identification and spectral unmixing.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 17, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers developed a laser-based approach to perform microbiopsies, enabling fast, painless tissue sampling with minimal damage. The novel technique uses laser ablation to extract tiny tissue volumes, which can be analyzed using virtual H&E imaging and other techniques in minutes, not hours.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateDec 14, 2022
Researchers develop hybrid brightfield-darkfield transport of intensity approach, expanding accessible sample spatial frequencies and achieving 5-fold resolution increase. This method enables precise detection and quantitative analysis of subcellular features in large-scale cell studies.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 3, 2022
Researchers at UMass Amherst investigate how embryonic exposure to PFAS chemicals affects pancreatic development and glucose regulation. Preliminary data suggest a link between PFAS exposure and elevated fructosamine levels, indicating potential long-term diabetes risk.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate flexible needle-shaped laser beams, extending the depth-of-focus for optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. This allows for improved lateral resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast, and image quality over a long depth range.
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the efficiency of nanoparticle delivery into cells, particularly in stem cells. They found that nanoparticles become trapped in bubble-like vesicles, preventing them from reaching their targets.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022
A research team developed a novel super-resolution microscopy technique combining metal-induced energy transfer and single-molecule localization microscopy. The method achieves isotropic three-dimensional imaging of sub-cellular structures, allowing for high-resolution analysis of protein complexes and organelles.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 24, 2022
Researchers found that pericyte precursor cells and endothelial cells work together simultaneously during embryonic development, contrary to previous theories. This discovery may lead to new strategies for repairing damaged tissue after stroke or heart attack.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers at Bielefeld University have identified five key characteristics of mitosis in the microalga Volvox carteri, including a porous nuclear envelope and crucial centrosome function. They used confocal laser scanning microscopy to capture high-resolution images of live cell division and gain insights into the complex process.
SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 4, 2022
A new study by the University of Surrey and University of Bristol found that FFP2 masks filter out Covid-19 virus particles more effectively than cloth masks. The research suggests that using FFP2 masks can significantly improve protection against transmission and reduce the risk of infection.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2022
A new confocal platform using artificial intelligence and multiple lenses improves volumetric resolution by over 10-fold while reducing phototoxicity. The platform uses Deep Learning algorithms to distinguish between high-quality images with low signal-to-noise ratio and better images.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
A new deep learning-powered approach transforms RCM images into virtually-stained H&E images, enabling the analysis of microscopic skin features without invasive biopsies. This technique, called virtual histology, can diagnose various skin conditions, including basal cell carcinoma and melanocytic nevi.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateNov 18, 2021
Shear thickening occurs when particles in a low-viscosity solution behave like a solid under stress. Researchers at North Carolina State University captured microscopic images of particles as they underwent shear thickening, revealing complex networks formed between particles and their shapes dependent on particle roughness.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers developed a cost-effective protocol for plant sample preparation and visualization, eliminating the need for stains and dyes. The new method harnesses the natural autofluorescence of tissues in plants, allowing for rapid visualization of plant anatomy across diverse taxa.
SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 30, 2021
The new method uses a simple unit consisting of two rotating mirrors to form projections from multiple angles, bypassing the need to acquire image stacks. This allows for real-time imaging without physically moving the specimen or requiring expensive computer hardware.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 1, 2021
Researchers have created the first atlas of a bumblebee brain based on computed tomographic (CT) data, providing insights into spatial orientation in insects. The study, published in Cell and Tissue Research, aims to advance research on neuronal circuits and their applications in humans.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell and Tissue Research·DateJun 28, 2021
A team of researchers developed a novel microscope that can image through an intact mouse skull, resolving fine internal structures deep within living tissues. The reflection matrix microscope combines hardware and software-based adaptive optics to reconstruct object images without loss of spatial resolution.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A recent study has clarified the life history of the devastating plant pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, revealing a complex life cycle with a previously unknown sexual stage. The research provides fundamental insights into the pathogen's biology and its interactions with host plants.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateNov 9, 2020
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a way to visualize molecules in 3D, showing their position, orientation, and wobble. This technology, called CHIDO, could shed light on biological processes involved in diseases like COVID-19.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020
A Polish-Israeli team has introduced a new method of super-resolution microscopy that, in theory, has no resolution limit. The technique, called SOFISM, uses naturally occurring fluctuations in emission intensity to enhance spatial resolution.
SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalOptica·DateOct 19, 2020
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have developed a new method to visualize fungi using expansion microscopy, allowing for detailed studies of fungal biology and potential applications in medicine. The technique has been successfully applied to three fungal species, including the clinically relevant Aspergillus fumigatus.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 8, 2020
A new form of imaging modality called coded light-sheet array microscopy (CLAM) allows for full 3D parallelized fluorescence imaging without scanning. CLAM reduces photobleaching and preserves biological specimen viability, enabling long-term volumetric imaging.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 17, 2020
Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles discover oldest known mushroom fossil, dating back 715-810 million years, using advanced molecular analysis techniques. The findings suggest that fungi played a crucial role in the colonization of Earth's surface around 500 million years ago.
SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2020
Researchers created a new fundamental unit of polymers called bundlemers, which can be customized and linked to create rigid, self-assembling chains. These bundles have surprising stiffness and potential applications in industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba developed a new CRIF method to detect unique fluorescent signatures of individual microbial cells in mixtures. The non-destructive technique allows for realistic three-dimensional environments and can distinguish between different types of microbes.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 3, 2019
Researchers have found that lithium fluoride crystals can detect tracks of heavy ions with high energies, including iron. The crystals work like photographic film and can accurately reproduce the path of a particle.
SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Luminescence·DateAug 19, 2019
Researchers at Macquarie University have created a simple method to bypass diffraction limitations using standard optical imaging tools, enabling everyday bio-imaging techniques. The uSEE approach improves resolution by reducing illumination intensity, making it suitable for any biological lab with minimal extra cost.
SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2019
Researchers developed a new 'multi-z' confocal microscopy system for imaging large groups of cells, enabling fast and detailed imaging across a wide field of view. The instrument captured cellular details at high speeds over a large 3D volume, providing unprecedented insights into how neurons interact during various behaviors.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers have successfully developed an automatic suction device for Single-cell mass spectroscopy, enabling high efficiency and precision. The device uses cellular image analysis, confocal microscopy technology, and a software for one-click suction, achieving 22 samples per hour.
Researchers at IST Austria have identified the signal and receptor that coordinate root cap loss and regrowth. The team discovered a small peptide called IDL1 that diffuses through the root tip and is perceived by cells in the root apical meristem, enabling communication between outer and inner root cap cells.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 30, 2018
Colorado State University biomedical engineer Jesse Wilson is proposing a radical new imaging technology that could diagnose mitochondrial defects in an instant. His technology aims to create a cost-effective, non-invasive way to diagnose mitochondrial diseases, which affect about 1 in 5,000 children and are often fatal.
Researchers develop an optimized approach combining AP-MS and BioID to identify protein-protein interactions, stoichiometries, and molecular context. The method enables higher resolution assignment of proteins to cellular or subcellular locations.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers developed DNA-PAINT technology to visualize single biomolecules at super-resolution depth of whole cells, overcoming hardware limitations. The approach can distinguish nanometer-scale molecules and explore entire cell depths.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2017
A new microscope technology using ultraviolet light enables fast and accurate imaging of fresh tissue samples, revolutionizing pathology and medical research. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming slide preparation and preserving tissue, making it an essential tool for improving patient care and research nationwide.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 4, 2017
A novel imaging system called Ultrasound Bioprobe enables high-resolution views of sub-cellular structures in live cells, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough has potential applications in early diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for diseases.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2017
The QIs-scope can capture 200 images a second and mark cells with different colors, allowing for the creation of 3D images of organs and tissues. This technology represents the next step in confocal microscopy and has applications in biomedical imaging research and development.
A special section in the Neurophotonics journal presents research in super-resolution microscopy, revealing new techniques to study neural structure and function. The findings have significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateDec 28, 2016
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.