Abstract
Light microscopy has long been indispensable for many biologists as a tool to capture a visual representation of their biological sample. Lately, it has become an increasingly precise and quantitative technique where images are only an intermediate step, with the ultimate goal to extract statistically relevant data. Recent developments in microscope technology make it possible to, for example, image fragile organisms over long periods of time with exceptional resolution and minimal stress. Instead of manually imaging a few cells, scientists now want to automatically record images from hundreds of samples and extract statistically relevant data. However, such efforts require dedicated, reliable, and reproducible hard- and software that is often out of reach for biologists that rely on what microscope vendors have to offer. Multidisciplinary research laboratories are at the forefront of upgrading light microscopy to a quantitative technique, as this process requires experts from multiple fields that normally do not interact on a daily basis. The establishment of reliable microscopy workflows, the integration of 3rd-party hardware into commercial microscopes, or the development of custom microscope hard- and software is best achieved by a diverse group of collaborators, such as engineers, computer scientists, microscopists, and of course biologists. In this perspective, we highlight the impact of modern light microscopy on biological research and how multidisciplinary structures in research laboratories and institutions are a necessity to further develop microscopy technology and make it accessible for biologists.
Highlights
Reviewed by: Dorothy Lerit, Emory University, United States Claudio Areias Franco, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal Partha Pratim Mondal, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India
Light microscopy was driven by polymaths and involved only very few people: one person developing and building the microscope and a second person preparing samples and documenting microscopic discoveries (Clara, 1966; van Zuylen, 1981)
While good microscope performance was crucial to make new observations, the quality and usefulness of the images were largely determined by the biologist’s artistic skills and a priori knowledge applied in the process of drawing
Summary
More and more advanced imaging technology is a great opportunity for vendors to develop and promote well integrated light microscopes that balance consistent performance and ease of use Such commercial setups can provide a list of benefits for many researchers and present them with the one accessible route to high-end optical microscopy. Even when published in full detail, custom microscopes can remain exclusive builds only accessible to the developer and close collaborators Their often unique and complex designs require substantial engineering, optics, and computer science skills and make it next to impossible for interested biologists to build a similar setup, reproduce published results and facilitate custom microscope technology for their own imaging ideas
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