Tag

Microscopy

All articles tagged with #microscopy

Stanford unveils 120-nm, label-free microscope for real-time live-cell imaging
science1 month ago

Stanford unveils 120-nm, label-free microscope for real-time live-cell imaging

Stanford researchers developed Interferometric Image Scanning Microscopy (iISM), a label-free instrument that reaches ~120-nanometer resolution inside living cells by merging interferometric scattering with array-based detection, enabling real-time observation of cellular structures with less light and no fluorescent labels. It complements fluorescence microscopy and opens new avenues for studying pathogen interactions, drug entry, and malaria-related cell changes, with plans to broaden access and collaborations.

PCA-iSIM: A Compact, Fast Route to Real-Time Super-Resolution Microscopy
technology2 months ago

PCA-iSIM: A Compact, Fast Route to Real-Time Super-Resolution Microscopy

Researchers from the Smart Computational Imaging Laboratory (SCILab) at Nanjing University of Science and Technology unveil PCA-iSIM, a compact DMD-based incoherent structured-illumination microscopy framework that couples high-modulation coefficient mapping with principal component analysis to recover high-frequency details from low-contrast patterns, enabling real-time imaging at up to 30 frames per second with about 100 nm resolution and a ~70% simpler optical design than laser-based SIM; demonstrated in living cells imaging mitochondrial activity under challenging noise and setting changes.

Magnetic-Pulse Microscopy Unmasks Hidden Molecular States
science2 months ago

Magnetic-Pulse Microscopy Unmasks Hidden Molecular States

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed pump-field-probe fluorescence microscopy that combines synchronized pulsed light with nanosecond magnetic pulses to detect spin-dependent, non-emissive intermediates invisible to standard fluorescence. Validated on flavin-based model systems, the method measures lifetimes and magnetic responses at biologically relevant, low concentrations and can operate with minimal sample damage, enabling time-resolved studies of short-lived dark states and offering potential for live-cell applications. This approach bridges fluorescence microscopy with spin chemistry, contributing to quantum biology and noninvasive diagnostics, with future plans to tackle more complex biological environments and separate overlapping reaction pathways.

Terahertz microscope unmasks quantum vibrations of superconducting electrons
science5 months ago

Terahertz microscope unmasks quantum vibrations of superconducting electrons

MIT researchers developed a terahertz microscope that uses spintronic emitters and a Bragg mirror to compress terahertz light to micron-scale spots, enabling imaging of the collective terahertz oscillations of superconducting electrons in BSCCO at cryogenic temperatures and overcoming the diffraction limit—a breakthrough for studying quantum modes in materials with potential implications for room-temperature superconductivity and terahertz devices.

The Power of Curiosity and Paradox in Scientific Discovery
science1 year ago

The Power of Curiosity and Paradox in Scientific Discovery

Manu Prakash, a Stanford bioengineer, advocates for a philosophy called 'recreational biology,' which emphasizes curiosity and wonder in scientific exploration. He is renowned for creating low-cost scientific tools like the Foldscope, a paper microscope, and for studying both urgent health issues and the fascinating behaviors of microscopic organisms, blending practical applications with fundamental science to inspire broad curiosity and democratize access to scientific discovery.

Real-Time Ovulation Captured: A Breakthrough for Infertility Treatment?
science1 year ago

Real-Time Ovulation Captured: A Breakthrough for Infertility Treatment?

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have captured the first real-time video of ovulation, revealing the process in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough, achieved through advanced microscopy and live tissue culture techniques, allows scientists to observe the three key phases of ovulation, potentially revolutionizing infertility treatments. By understanding ovulation more precisely, this discovery could lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), marking a significant advancement in reproductive medicine.