German scientists advance light microscopy
Its potential, however, could still increase significantly due to an invention recently made by a team of interdisciplinary working physicists.
Published as cover story in the current issue of the open access Journal “Optics Express”, the researchers from Prof. Käs' group in Leipzig, in collaboration with researchers in Jena and Cambridge present the Optical Cell Rotator (OCR), a novel tool for the contact-free orientation of biological samples using laser radiation.
According to first author Moritz Kreysing the new technology could be the missing key to allow for the realization of single-cell optical tomography, which has been shown in principle but not in any useful implementation.
In contrast to the current standards for 3D imaging of cells, namely confocal and deconvolution microscopy, tomographic imaging provides maximum resolution in all three dimensions. To achieve this feat specimens are rotated stepwise and imaged from multiple angles. Using this data a computer is able to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the sample containing 2.5 times more information than traditionally accessible.
The Optical Cell Rotator is of fundamental importance in this context for the integrity of living samples. While the orientation of cells previously required their exposure to either strong electric fields or unphysiological mechanical tools, the new device promises a much more gentle handling of the sensitive material. Thus, OCR is probably most useful for the investigation of stem cells, which are notoriously sensitive to handling.
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/viewmedia.cfm?uri=oe-16-21-16984&seq=0
Abstract: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-21-16984
On the cover: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/issue.cfm?volume=16&issue=21
Publication supplements:
1: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/viewmedia.cfm?uri=oe-16-21-16984&seq=1
2: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/viewmedia.cfm?uri=oe-16-21-16984&seq=2
Weitere Informationen:
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-21-16984
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/issue.cfm?volume=16&issue=21
Media Contact
More Information:
http://www.uni-leipzig.deAll latest news from the category: Physics and Astronomy
This area deals with the fundamental laws and building blocks of nature and how they interact, the properties and the behavior of matter, and research into space and time and their structures.
innovations-report provides in-depth reports and articles on subjects such as astrophysics, laser technologies, nuclear, quantum, particle and solid-state physics, nanotechnologies, planetary research and findings (Mars, Venus) and developments related to the Hubble Telescope.
Newest articles
Superradiant atoms could push the boundaries of how precisely time can be measured
Superradiant atoms can help us measure time more precisely than ever. In a new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen present a new method for measuring the time interval,…
Ion thermoelectric conversion devices for near room temperature
The electrode sheet of the thermoelectric device consists of ionic hydrogel, which is sandwiched between the electrodes to form, and the Prussian blue on the electrode undergoes a redox reaction…
Zap Energy achieves 37-million-degree temperatures in a compact device
New publication reports record electron temperatures for a small-scale, sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion device. In the nine decades since humans first produced fusion reactions, only a few fusion technologies have demonstrated…
