Digital Microscopes

Many cellular functions depend on the dynamic balance of ions, electric potentials, and pH between the cytosol and surrounding extracellular space. Changes in these values affect cellular function. Measuring cellular ion, potential, and pH dynamics is very interesting for biology research, but is difficult to do with conventional fluorescence. How ratiometric imaging overcomes this limitation by allowing the observation of changes in fluorophore emission wavelengths and intensities is explained.

An introduction to commonly used fluorescent dyes and an overview of their characteristics are given in this article. Fluorescence microscopy is used for the study of specific cellular components with the help of fluorescent dyes, fluorescent proteins, or immunofluorescent stains using antibodies. Thanks to a large variety of fluorescent agents, fluorescence microscopy can be used to examine proteins, nucleic acids, glycans, organelles, and other cellular structures.

With a measurement microscope, users can measure the size and dimensions of sample features in both 2D and 3D, something crucial for inspection, QC, failure analysis, and R&D. However, choosing the right microscope involves assessing application needs along with microscope performance, ease of use, and flexibility. Today, measurements are often made digitally, i.e., a microscope with a camera and software and images displayed on a monitor, rather than via an eyepiece reticule, leading to increased precision and repeatability. Analyze samples reliably and quickly with the right measurement microscope.

Microscope calibration ensures accurate and consistent measurements for inspection, quality control (QC), failure analysis, and research and development (R&D). Calibration steps are described in this article. Using a reference, calibration enables reproducible results and helps ensure agreement with guidelines and standards. To attain accurate and consistent results, it is recommended to calibrate a microscope and regularly check it. If needed, support can be obtained from calibration experts.

See how optical microscopy can be used for burr detection on battery electrodes and determination of damage potential to achieve rapid and reliable quality control during battery manufacturing.

For a wide range of applications in various research fields of life science, live-cell imaging is an indispensable tool for visualizing cells in a state as close to in vivo, i.e. living and active, as possible. This guide reviews a wide range of important considerations for ensuring successful live-cell imaging and introduces a variety of high-performance solutions designed to overcome common challenges. These advances enable new insights into cellular physiology and dynamics.

This eBook explores the integration of microscopy and AI technologies in 2D cell culture workflows. It highlights how traditional imaging methods—such as brightfield, phase contrast, and fluorescence—support routine cell monitoring, while digital platforms like the Mateo TL and FL enhance reproducibility through automated confluency checks, cell counting, and transfection analysis. It also shows how integrated data management, audit trails, and sample tracking improve documentation and research integrity. The book concludes with a look at future trends, including microfluidics and hybrid 2D–3D systems, emphasizing the growing need for advanced imaging tools to meet evolving research demands.

In this article, Dr. Andrew T. Huang, MD, FACS, otolaryngologist and a head and neck reconstructive surgeon, shares how digital 3D surgical visualization with the MyVeo headset from Leica Microsystems transforms his practice. For microvascular and nerve repair procedures, he discusses how it helps him focus, train and collaborate with his OR team in a comfortable and relaxed position during surgery. The surgical visualization headset also seamlessly integrates into the OR. Learn how digital 3D viewing technology and augmented reality visualization are shaping the future of surgery.

This study highlights Dr. Aaron Lee’s research on mapping nerve regeneration in muscle grafts post-amputation. Limb loss often leads to reduced quality of life, not only from tissue loss but also due to neuropathic pain caused by disorganized axon regrowth. Histological and fluorescence imaging on Mica can provide complementary insights into axon outgrowth and branching during nerve regeneration. This research could help shape future neuroprosthetic interface designs, improving patient outcomes.

Neuroscience often requires investigating challenging specimens to better understand the nervous system and disorders. Leica microscopes helps neuroscientists obtain insights into neuronal functions.

In an era of technological advancement, Augmented Reality (AR) is rapidly transforming the medical field. In surgical microscopy, AR can display fluorescence signals as digital overlays in real-time within the surgical field of view, providing surgeons with additional information about fluorescent areas of interest. A surgeon's view can be augmented with data overlays from different systems, offering functional or anatomical information superimposed onto the live microscope view.

Automotive part verification during the development and production of parts and components by suppliers or manufacturers is important for ensuring that specifications are met. Specifications are critical for maintaining performance standards and safe operation of vehicles. However, there is always demand for efficient and cost-effective R&D and production while meeting ever-stricter quality standards. This article shows how investigation and documentation of auto parts and components to verify specifications can be done easily and quickly with digital microscopy.

This interview highlights the transformative impact of Mica at Imperial College London. Scientists explain how Mica has been a game-changer, expanding research possibilities and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. They explain how detailed live cell imaging with Mica provides more meaningful information, keeping scientists at the forefront of research. The team foresees Mica continuing to open new research avenues, including the study of microfluidics and other advanced applications.

For microscopy imaging, depth of field is an important parameter when needing sharp images of sample areas with structures having significant changes in depth. In practice, depth of field is determined by the correlation between numerical aperture, resolution, and magnification. For the best possible visualization of samples, modern microscopes can be adjusted to produce an optimum balance between depth of field and resolution. In theory, these parameters are inversely correlated.

This article provides an introduction to the recommendations of 21 CFR Part 11 from the FDA, specifically focusing on the audit trail and user management in the context of cell-culture laboratories. It is intended for professionals in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries who are responsible for ensuring agreement with 21 CFR part 11 for electronic records and electronic signatures. A digital microscope approach, e.g. with Mateo FL, offers the advantage of more consistent and efficient electronic documentation of cell-culture results compared to a paper-based method.