BioImaging / Microscopy

With bioimaging and microscopy, researchers take advantage of the high-power magnification available today to visualize specimens close up. Bioimaging and microscopy allow greater resolution than ever before, leading to the image-based, information-rich data than can be collected in high-content screening. Fluorescence microscopy images specific molecular labels that have been tagged with fluorescent reporter molecules. Similar fluorescent or chemiluminescent labels are also used in Western blot imaging or gel documentation systems. Confocal imaging allows optical sectioning to examine the 3D structures of specimens. Whole-cell and live animal imaging is also yielding new information with techniques such as live cell, infrared, and in vivo imaging. Microscopy is also used in laser capture microdissection, in which delicate dissections of tissue or cells is accomplished using ultraviolet and infrared lasers.