Dec 04, 2009

Super Resolution light microscopy is revolutionizing life science research with increasing speed. The ability to have direct visual results from an intact specimen in the sub-100nm range benefits scientists from virtually all fields of biomedical research. Tiny structures such as synapses, ensembles of small vesicles, and receptor arrangements are now accessible for fluorescence microscopy.

Oct 14, 2009


Super-resolution microscopy - optical microscopy able to image at resolutions beyond the diffraction limit of light - combines the best aspects of electron and light microscopy for life sciences. It offers the ability to image living tissue at resolutions far greater than 200 nm - and the potential to transform many life-science disciplines. The term "super-resolution microscopy" refers to a number of approaches involving conventional lenses and focused light?for instance stimulated emission depletion (STED), photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), and structured illumination microscopy (SIM). And, it involves innovative application of components such as lenses, metamaterials, and gratings. This live, interactive webcast will discuss and compare the various approaches to super-resolution microscopy, and explore the importance of system components. Take this opportunity to hear from - and interact with - important thought-leaders in this area.

May 05, 2009


Laser microdissection (LM, a.k.a laser capture microdissection, LCM) is a powerful biomedical research tool, allowing for the procurement of specific cell populations from tissue samples. Depending on the tissue sample preparation, biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins can be extracted from the microdissected cells and then analyzed for molecular profiling studies.

LM was invented at the National Institutes of Health in 1996 by a multidisciplinary team that included pathologists, molecular researchers, engineers and physicists. Since then, the bio research market has witnessed variations in system design including types and uses of lasers, systems for sample collection, and digital image analysis that allows for a semi-automatic cell targeting and microdissection.

In this live, interactive webcast presentation, Jeffrey Hanson, a biomedical engineer, and Jaime Rodriguez, pathologist -- both at the Laser Microdissection Core at NIH -- will present general aspects on the design of laser microdissection systems and some examples of how this technology is helping to advance biomedical research. In particular, they will demonstrate its application to cancer research and tumor microenvironment.

Apr 08, 2009


In this dynamic, interactive presentation, Professor John Girkin of the University of Durham (UK) will discuss and compare the powerful nonlinear optical microscopy methods making their way into life science laboratories around the world, including multiphoton microscopy, second and third harmonic imaging, and CARS microscopy. He will describe practical applications wherein these methods have enabled biological research that was not previously possible.

He will also reveal the techniques' current limits and some of the work being done to overcome these challenges?in particular, ways of imaging more deeply with minimal disruption to the sample. Topics here will include adaptive optics methods, micro-mirror scanning, and miniature optics. The webcast will end with an exploration of where the core technology might go next in its application to real-life science challenges. Dr. Girkin will engage with attendees, answering questions throughout the webcast.

Oct 29, 2008


As biomedical researchers and clinicians continue to look for better ways to analyze complex processes, spectroscopy becomes an increasingly useful tool -- and this webcast will demonstrate why. Spectroscopy underpins many of the most promising approaches to early cancer diagnosis, drug development, and other critical life sciences applications -- as well as noninvasive alternatives to traditional methods of detecting various medical conditions. The discussion will explore key spectroscopic methods (including Raman, near infrared, and more) and technologies involved in detecting cellular and sub-cellular changes that indicate disease and guide treatment.