Light Microscopy In Biology

Since the first edition of Light Microscopy in Biology: A Practical approach was published, techniques in modern light microscopy have improved considerably. This fully updated edition includes revised topics from the first edition as well as coverage of techniques and technologies that have been developed since it was published. As before, the book starts with an explanation of the basic techniques, and goes on to describe current methods in: chromosome microscopy, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, image building and video microscopy. Totally new topics covered include: confocal microscopy, calcium and pH imaging, microinjection techniques and nanovid microscopy. There are also whole chapters now devoted to reflection contrast microscopy and histomorphometry. This new edition will be of great interest to postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in biomedicine and cell biology - both those experienced with light microscopic techniques and newcomers to the field.

This is a straightforward and comprehensive guide to the practical use of the light microscope for the examination of biological specimens. Written in an informal style, it aims to be a readable explanation of all the types of light microscopy currently in use in the modern biological laboratory. It is designed to be used at the bench, next to the microscope. Theoretical explanations are kept to the minimum necessary to support the practical information.

This book offers a beginner’s guide to using light microscopes. It begins with a brief introduction to the physics of optics, which will give the reader a basic grasp of the behaviors of light. In turn, each part of the microscope is explained using clear and simple English, together withdetailed photographs and diagrams. The reader will learn the function, care and correct use of each part. A troubleshooting section also helps resolve some of the most common issues encountered in light microscopy. Most people have a general idea of how to use a microscope, but many never get the full benefit, because they receive no training. With easy-to-follow steps and detailed images, this guide will help everyone achieve the best results, and be confident using their microscope. This book is intended for anyone using a light microscope, such as university students, people in lab environments, hobbyists, educators who teach science to young children, and anyone with a general interest in these valuable tools.

Of all scientific instruments, probably none has had more applications in the life sciences than the light microscope. In Light Microscopy: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the basics and the latest advances in microscope instrumentation, sample preparation, and imaging techniques, all of which have been producing fundamental insights into the functions of cells and tissues. Chapters cover a variety of bright field and fluorescence microscopy-based approaches that are central to the study of a range of biological questions, providing information on how to prepare cells and tissues for microscopic investigations, covering detailed staining procedures, and exploring methods to analyze images and interpret the results accurately. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and current, Light Microscopy: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for all researchers who are exploring the intriguing microscopic world of the cell.

New interest in light microscopy of the last few years has not been backed up by adequate general literature. This book intends to fill the gap between specialized texts on detailed topics and general introductory booklets, mostly dealing with the use of the conventional light microscope only. In this short textbook both new developments in microscopy and basic facts of image formation will be treated, including often neglected topics such as axial resolving power, lens construction, photomicrography and correct use of phase-en interference contrast systems. Theoretical background will be dealt with as far as necessary for a well-considered application of these techniques enabling a deliberate choice for the approach of a certain problem. Over 150 illustrations (photomicrographs and diagrams) complete the information on microscopy of the nineties in the biomedical field, intended for scientists, doctors, technicians and research students. Many drawings have been contributed by the illustrator R. Kreuger; the photographic work has been executed by J. Peeterse. Secretarial assistance in preparing the manuscript was given by Ms T. M. S. Pierik. Dr M. J. Pearson has corrected the English of the final text.

In this practical text, the author covers the fundamentals of biological electron microscopy - including fixation, instrumentation, and darkroom work - to provide an excellent introduction to the subject for the advanced undergraduate or graduate student.

Optical and electron microscopes are often used effectively despite little knowledge of the relevant theory or even of how a particular type of microscope functions. Eventually however proper use interpretation of images and choices of specific applications demand an understanding of fundamental principles. This book describes the principles of operation of each type of microscope currently available and of use to biomedical and materials scientists explains the mechanisms of image formation (contrast and its enhancement) accounts for ultimate limits on the size of observable details (resolving power and resolution) and finally provides an account of Fourier optical theory. Principles behind the photographic methods used in microscopy are described and there is some discussion of image processing methods. Throughout the text emphasises the underlying similarity of all microscope systems and recognising that biologists may often be uncomfortable with mathematical approaches every effort has been made to present concepts verbally. Where mathematical treatment is indispensible the nature of its contribution is made explicit.