Event 2: Advanced Light Microscopy

 Advanced Light Microscopy

I attended the Advanced Light Microscopy Symposium in the CNSI (California NanoSystems Institute) 

Scott E Fraser, Provost Professor of Biological Sciences & Biomedical Engineering at USC, delivered a lecture about his research about methods and uses for advanced light microscopy. 

Traditional light microscopy uses a combination of lenses and light sources to create magnified images of biological samples that would otherwise be impossible to see with the human eye. Fraser mentions the various limitations of traditional light microscopy within his diagram of the “pyramid of frustration”, where he states the limitations imagers are stuck within. Traditional light microscopy is limited in its efficiency due to its resolution restrictions. These resolution limitations are often referred to as the diffraction barrier, leaving many smaller biological samples unable to be seen. 



Fraser then introduces the solution to these limitations, “Advanced Light Microscopy”. In his words, he describes its use as “Adding dimensions to intravital imaging to better eavesdrop on biology”



Advanced Light Microscopy is used to analyze biological samples at a higher resolution, enabling even the smallest samples to be seen with greater depth and clarity. Fraser points out other forms of light microscopy, including confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy and light sheet imaging, and describes how features of these imaging techniques are combined into advanced light microscopy. Fraser also explained the negatives in using Advanced Light Microscopy, such as how ALM can be very difficult and time-consuming to facilitate as well as expensive since the features within the system can cost from $100,000-$2,000,000. On the positive side, ALM holds an advantage over other microscopy since it includes a non-invasive infrared, tremendous field of view, and higher resolutions.


With my limited knowledge of biological science and biomedical techniques, I can apply what I observed to what I have learned in this class. Fraser explains that Advanced Light Microscopy can be applied to a variety of medical and biological fields including neuroscience and nanotechnology research. Advanced Light Microscopy is a solid example of how science and technology intersect to discover both aesthetic and scientifically valuable information. Previously in class we discussed how discoveries in biotechnology and nanotechnology are valuable to artists and their creative processes. The high-tech features within advanced light microscopy can open new perspectives and inspirations for both scientists and artists!



Sources:

Scott E Fraser, ”Advanced Light Microscopy Symposium”, 15 May 2024, California Nanoscience Institution, UCLA

Dawe, Gavin S., et al. "Light microscopy." Techniques in Microscopy for Biomedical Applications (2006): 9-56.

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