Cell Size Research Articles

Single-cell imaging of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell cycle reveals linear and heterogenous growth.

Difficulties in antibiotic treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are partly thought to be due to heterogeneity in growth. Although the ability of bacterial pathogens to regulate growth is crucial to control homeostasis, virulence and drug responses, single-cell growth and cell cycle behaviours of Mtb are poorly characterized. Here we use time-lapse, single-cell imaging of Mtb coupled with mathematical modelling to observe asymmetric growth and heterogeneity in cell size, interdivision time and elongation speed. We find that, contrary to Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mtb initiates cell growth not only from the old pole but also from new poles or both poles. Whereas most organisms grow exponentially at the single-cell level, Mtb has a linear growth mode. Our data show that the growth behaviour of Mtb diverges from that of model bacteria, provide details into how Mtb grows and creates heterogeneity and suggest that growth regulation may also diverge from that in other bacteria.

Effect of temperature, nutrients and growth rate on picophytoplankton cell size across the Atlantic Ocean.

The cell size of picophytoplankton populations affects their ecology and biogeochemical role, but how different environmental drivers control its variability is still not well understood. To gain insight into the role of temperature and nutrient availability as determinants of picophytoplankton population mean cell size, we carried out five microcosm experiments across the Atlantic Ocean (45°N-27°S) in which surface plankton assemblages were incubated under all combinations of three temperatures (in situ, 3°C cooling and 3°C warming) and two nutrient levels (unamended and addition of nitrogen and phosphorus). The overall range of variability in cell volume was 5-fold for Prochlorococcus, 8-fold for Synechococcus and 6-fold for the picoeukaryotes. We observed, in all the treatments and in the control, a consistent trend toward larger mean cell sizes over time for both Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, which was likely the result of sample confinement. Changes in temperature and nutrient status alone did not cause clear changes in cell size, relative to the control, but the combination of warming and nutrient addition resulted in an increase in Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus cell size. The largest increases in cell volume were associated with slow or negative population net growth rates. Our results emphasize the importance of considering changes in biovolume to obtain accurate estimates of picophytoplankton biomass and suggest that the inverse relationship between growth rate and population mean cell size may be a general pattern in marine phytoplankton.

Construction of inherent geometric pattern for equal-area hexagonal discrete global grid systems

ABSTRACT Discrete Global Grid Systems (DGGSs) are hierarchical frameworks that provide seamless global coverage and enable the efficient processing and analysis of heterogeneous geospatial data. As cell resolution becomes finer, similarities in cell attributes, such as cell size and shape, increase. Understanding these shared characteristics enhances our knowledge of DGGSs structures, improving their reliability and accuracy across a range of applications. However, existing methods for quantifying these characteristics are limited, often emphasizing overall analysis and visualization rather than detailed assessment. This paper introduces a geometric pattern quantification method for equal-area hexagonal DGGSs by calculating inter-level attribute similarities to identify a reference level, segmenting the spatial distribution image at this reference level, and fitting the boundaries of these sub-images to create iso-feature lines. The results show that this method improves the accuracy and efficiency of cell attribute calculations, with enhancements of at least 5.6 times for study regions and 13.8 times for sample points at lower levels. This pattern provides a robust basis for grid selection and optimization in regional applications, promoting the broader adoption of DGGSs across various fields.

Single Electron Self-coherence and Its Wave/Particle Duality in the Electron Microscope.

Intensities in high-resolution phase-contrast images from electron microscopes build up discretely in time by detecting single electrons. A wave description of pulse-like coherent-inelastic interaction of an electron with matter implies a time-dependent coexistence of coherent partial waves. Their superposition forms a wave package by phase decoherence of 0.5 - 1 radian with Heisenbergs energy uncertainty ΔEH = ħ/2 Δt-1 matching the energy loss ΔE of a coherent-inelastic interaction and sets the interaction time Δt. In these circumstances, the product of Planck's constant and the speed of light hc is given by the product of the expression for temporal coherence λ2/Δλ and the energy loss ΔE. Experimentally, the self-coherence length was measured by detecting the energy-dependent localization of scattered, plane matter waves in surface proximity exploiting the Goos-Hänchen shift. Chromatic-aberration Cc-corrected electron microscopy on boron nitride (BN) proves that the coherent crystal illumination and phase contrast are lost if the self-coherence length shrinks below the size of the crystal unit cell at ΔE > 200 eV. In perspective, the interaction time of any matter wave compares with the lifetime of a virtual particle of any elemental interaction, suggesting the present concept of coherent-inelastic interactions of matter waves might be generalizable.

Morphometric parameters of blood lymphocytes in American mink (Neogale vison) selected for tameness and defensive aggression toward humans.

Although there is some evidence to suggest that there is a link between behavior and immune parameters in animals, this issue is still not well understood. In particular, there is a lack of understanding of how specific behaviors affect the size of immune cells. To address this issue, we investigated the relationship between behavior and the morphometric parameters of lymphocytes in American mink (Neogale vison) that have been selectively bred for aggression and tameness toward humans at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Russia, for 37 years. Minks with high ("-3") and medium ("-2") aggressiveness, moderate ("+ 3") and high tameness ("+ 6"), as well as those not affected by special behavior selection, were compared with each other. We found that aggressive and tame mink significantly differed in lymphocyte size, cytoplasm content and nucleus to cell ratio (NCR). The lymphocytes of tame mink were characterized by larger size, increased cytoplasm content and lower NCR compared to those of aggressive mink and unselected mink. Among the studied parameters, the largest differences were found in the size of lymphocytes between "+ 3" and unselected minks (p = 0.000018) and in the cytoplasm content between "+ 6" and unselected minks (p = 0.000039). Minks with similar behavior ("-3" and "-2", "+ 3" and "+ 6") showed no significant differences. Our data, combined with the strong correlation reported by other researchers between morphological characteristics of lymphocytes and cytokine levels indicates that selection for specific behaviors may lead to a rebalancing in the immune system.

Abstract PR002: The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell size in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a critical role in the metastatic process of cancer and are widely recognized as important biomarkers that provide valuable information related to tumor characteristics. While most research to date has focused on the biological markers and molecular properties of CTCs, their physical characteristics, particularly size, have been relatively underexplored. However, recent studies suggest that smaller CTCs exhibit enhanced tumor- initiating and metastatic abilities compared to larger CTCs. This indicates that CTC size is not merely a physical trait but may directly influence the invasiveness and metastatic potential of tumors. Such findings suggest that CTC size could be an important indicator for predicting tumor malignancy and provide a new perspective on understanding cancer progression and metastasis. As such, there is a growing emphasis on research that considers the size of CTCs. In this study, it was speculated whether CTC size holds clinical significance in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study was involved with 20 HNSCC patients, analyzing the morphological characteristics of CTCs collected from blood samples before and after treatment, while exploring the potential for monitoring treatment response. Our results found that CTCs were detected 20% more frequently in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients compared to non-OPC patients. This is likely due to the rich vascularity in the oropharyngeal region, which may facilitate greater entry of CTCs into the bloodstream. Additionally, the cell size (23.9 μm in average) and nuclear size (16.4 μm in average) of HPV-positive patients were 32% and 10% larger, respectively, than those of HPV-negative patients (cell size: 18.1 μm; nuclear size: 12.60 μm). This suggests that the sizes of CTC and their nuclei may be associated with HPV status, which is presumed to be due to HPV causing disruptions in the cell cycle. In addition, we could successfully cultivate the CTCs obtained from HPV-positive patients with relatively smaller CTCs for 30 days, predicting that small CTCs have affordable for CTC culture. In conclusion, this study confirms that the physical characteristics of CTCs, particularly size, are linked to HPV infection status in HNSCC patients. CTC- and nucleus- size are closely related to tumor characteristics, demonstrating the potential for developing diagnostic and prognostic tools based on these physical traits. Although more in-depth research is required, poor prognosis in HPV- positive patients may also be related to the physical characteristics of CTCs. Citation Format: Hyeongjung Woo, Hyun Young Shin, So Yeon Oh, Sun Min Lee, Minseok S. Kim. The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell size in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr PR002.

Extending the G1 phase improves the production of lipophilic compounds in yeast by boosting enzyme expression and increasing cell size

Cell phase engineering can significantly impact protein synthesis and cell size, potentially enhancing the production of lipophilic products. This study investigated the impact of G1 phase extension on resource allocation, metabolic functions, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in yeast, along with the potential for enhancing the production of lipophilic compounds. In brief, the regulation of the G1 phase was achieved by deleting CLN3 (G1 cyclin) in various yeast strains. This modification resulted in a 83% increase in cell volume, a 76.9% increase in dry cell weight, a 82% increase in total protein content, a 41% increase in carotenoid production, and a 159% increase in fatty alcohol production. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of multiple metabolic pathways involved in acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme A) synthesis, ensuring an ample supply of precursors for the synthesis of lipophilic products. Furthermore, we observed improved protein synthesis, attributed to UPR activation during the prolonged G1 phase. These findings not only enhanced our understanding and application of yeast's capacity to synthesize lipophilic compounds in applied biotechnology but also offered unique insights into cellular behavior during the modified G1 phase, particularly regarding the UPR response, for basic research. This study demonstrates the potential of G1 phase intervention to increase the yield of hydrophobic compounds in yeast, providing a promising direction for further research.

Applying Beer's Law in the undergraduate cell biology laboratory: examining the mathematical relationship between optical density, cell concentration, and cell size using budding yeast.

Undergraduate students majoring in the life sciences benefit from experience with data analyses that connect mathematical calculations to the biological systems they are studying. Monitoring the optical density and cell number of Saccharomyces cerevisiae liquid cultures allows students to gain quantitative experience generating standard curves and trendlines that capture the relationship between optical density and cell concentration for a given S. cerevisiae strain. Data comparisons across multiple strains can yield insights into the biophysical properties of cells that drive light absorbance and scattering. In this Tips and Tools article, we share a laboratory module that allows students to experience cell biology tools, laboratory measurements, and data analysis to determine the mathematical relationship between optical density and cell concentration in liquid microbial cultures. This module could be integrated into undergraduate classes ranging from general biology to upper-level cell biology or microbiology and can be a starting point for more complex investigations of microbial growth.

Abstract A002: The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell size in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Abstract This abstract is being presented as a short talk in the scientific program. A full abstract is printed in the Proffered Abstracts section (PR002) of the Conference Program/Proceedings. Citation Format: Hyeongjung Woo, Hyun Young Shin, So Yeon Oh, Sun Min Lee, Minseok S. Kim. The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell size in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A002.

Fabrication of Hydroxyl Modified Hollow Glass Microsphere Composite Isocyanate‐Based Polyimide Foam and Optimization Strategy Based on Different Bonding Mechanisms

ABSTRACTIn this study, the hydroxyl modified hollow glass microsphere (HM‐HGM) is added to different foaming slurries of isocyanate‐based polyimide foam (IBPIF) at varying ratios, and different bonding effects are formed to optimize the dispersion behavior. Then, the novel HGM composited IBPIF (IBPIF/HGM) is prepared. Hydroxyl groups on HM‐HGM establish hydrogen bonding effect with pyromellitic acid dimethyl ester and dimethyl formamide in the white slurry and react with isocyanate groups in the black slurry. The cell structure of IBPIF is altered to improve its sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors. Compared with IBPIF/HGM‐0, the average cell size of IBPIF/HGM‐1 and BPIF/HGM‐5 decreases significantly. The sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors of them are improved to some extent. Compared with samples in which the HM‐HGM is added alone to a single slurry, when the dosage ratio of HM‐HGM in black and white slurries is 1:1, IBPIF/HGM‐3 has more uniform cell structure. The change of IBPIF cell structure by the introduction of HM‐HGM and the unique structure of HM‐HGM can enhance the sound absorption performance and mechanical behaviors of IBPIF. The design idea of different bonding mechanisms significantly provides technical assistance to enhance the acoustic performance of polymeric foam materials.

Measuring Cell Dimensions in Fission Yeast Using Machine Learning.

In fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe), cell length is a crucial indicator of cell cycle progression. Microscopy screens that examine the effect of agents or genotypes suspected of altering genomic or metabolic stability and thus cell size are crucial for studying disruptions to cell cycle dynamics. This method is based on using an automated cell segmentation algorithm to measure S. pombe cells imaged by brightfield (BF) microscopy methods. PhotoPhenosizer (PP) is a machine learning-based tool designed for automated cell measuring and dimensional analysis of morphology frequency distributions. Integration of this method into large-scale pipelines for tracking cell dimension change streamlines morphological measurements, which facilitates the examination of cellular responses to genomic and metabolic stresses. In this protocol, we use PP to observe the effect of genomic instability on cell size dynamics over a 12-day chronological lifespan assay. Our results show that relative to wild-type cells, a replication stress mutant shows larger cells during chronological aging in excess glucose media. Our results are consistent with activation of checkpoints that regulate cell morphology in response to DNA damage. This method's application highlights the relevance of its incorporation in experimental routines that require large-scale image processing and its adoption by users with routine needs in S. pombe molecular research projects.

High-Throughput Measurement of Single-Fission Yeast Cell Volume Using Fluorescence Exclusion.

Cell volume is a critical parameter for the biology of living species and has an impact on virtually all cellular functions. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the regulation of cell size has been the focus of intense investigation, and mechanisms that couple size control with cell cycle progression have been identified. In fission yeast, cell length at division is generally used as a proxy for determining cell size. However, it only allows for an inaccurate evaluation of this critical parameter and neglects potential changes in cell morphology and diameter, which can strongly impact cell volume. Until recently, one of the major obstacles for studying the complexity of cell size regulation in fission yeast has been the lack of a robust method for high-throughput, direct measurement of single-cell volume. Here, we provide a comprehensive protocol for S. pombe cell volume determination based on the Fluorescence eXclusion method and microfluidics technologies. This approach makes it possible to reliably describe cell volume and its distribution in populations of fission yeast cells.

Design and Performance of High-Capacity Magnesium–Air Battery for Power Generator System

Efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, which aims to reduce the net carbon emissions to zero by decreasing carbon emissions from human activities and increasing carbon absorption, are actively underway. Additionally, the search for clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels has become a global research trend. This paper presents research on metal–air batteries, focusing on the development of energy supply technologies that do not generate carbon emissions during power generation and require less space for power generation compared to existing renewable energy sources. The proposed Mg–air battery (MAB) in this study uses magnesium as the metal anode and theoretically offers a maximum open-circuit voltage of 3.1 V and a high energy density of 6.8 kWh/kg. While previous research has primarily focused on designing small-capacity cells and maximizing the performance of metal anodes, this study differentiates itself by designing a large-capacity MAB cell and optimizing its electrical performance. For the large-capacity cell design, the weight, shape, and size of the anode were designed based on MAB performance factors, and research was conducted on manufacturing methods to optimize the performance of the air cathode. Furthermore, to enhance usability and extend the lifespan of the MAB cell, it was designed to allow electrolyte circulation, and the electrolyte circulation performance was verified through simulations of fluid flow within the cell. Based on the study of the power performance of the newly designed large-capacity MAB cell, the feasibility of constructing a kW-class system using multiple Mg–air battery cell stacks was confirmed.

Analysis of Lipid Metabolism in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis During Hibernation

Hibernation serves as an energy-conserving strategy that enables animals to withstand harsh environments by reducing their metabolic rate significantly. However, the mechanisms underlying energy adaptation in hibernating ectotherms, such as Pelodiscus sinensis, remain contentious. This paper first reports the decrease in lipid levels and the expression of metabolism-related genes in P. sinensis during hibernation. The results of physiological and biochemical analysis showed that adipocyte cell size was reduced and liver lipid droplet (LD) contents were decreased during hibernation in P. sinensis. Concurrently, serum levels of triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) were diminished (n = 8, p < 0.01), while an increase in serum glucose (Glu) (n = 8, p < 0.01) was noted among hibernating P. sinensis. These observations suggest a shift in energy metabolism during hibernation. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms, we performed integrated transcriptomic and lipidomic analyses of adipose tissue and livers from summer-active versus overwintering P. sinensis, which revealed downregulation of free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides (TGs), diglycerides (DGs), and ceramides (Cers) during hibernation. The results of GSEA analysis showed that metabolic pathways associated with lipid metabolism, including glycerolipid metabolism and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, were suppressed significantly. Notably, acute cold exposure induced significant downregulation of genes related to lipolysis such as PNPLA2, ABHD5, LPL, CPT1A, and PPARα. The results indicate that lipolysis is suppressed during hibernation in P. sinensis. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of survival mechanisms and elucidate the unique energy adaptation strategies employed by hibernating ectotherms. Future research should explore the implications of these findings for the conservation of ectotherms and the applications for artificially inducing hibernation.

Axial mechanical properties of welded orthogonal trapezoidal aluminum honeycomb as filler material for nuclear equipment impact limiter.

Lightweight porous structural materials have excellent energy absorption performance, and their application are gradually appeared. This paper takes the shock-absorbing material of nuclear equipment transportation casks as the starting point, and manufactures an orthogonal trapezoidal aluminum honeycomb by welding (WOTAH). The mechanical properties with different cell thicknesses and cell size ratios under different impact loads are studied through experimental and simulation methods, and the deformation process and energy absorption performance of the materials are obtained. The energy absorption performance of materials under quasi-static loading was investigated using plastic deformation theory and compared with experimental results. Based on the experimental results, the least squares method was used for data fitting to obtain the C-S dynamic constitutive relationship of the material. The equivalent structure was used to replace the honeycomb structure for simulation, and the influence of strain rate effect and structural size on material properties was further studied. Through the above mechanical performance analysis and comparison with wood, it is shown that WOTHA has feasible for the application of nuclear equipment impact limiter.

TMOD-11. ADVANCED MRI ANALYSIS TO ASSESS CHEMO-RADIATION RESPONSE IN PEDIATRIC EPENDYMOMA MODELS

Abstract Pediatric Ependymoma (EPN) is an aggressive brain tumor for which the benefits of chemo-radiation (CR) therapy have yet to be established. Our team has previously reported behavior patterns of EPN, including high tumor cellularity, cytological anaplasia, high mitotic index, tumor necrosis, and the presence of inflammatory cells such as M2-type macrophages. Recently, we have established advanced MRI protocols and computational algorithms for cell- and vessel-size imaging. The goal of this study is to develop advanced MRI analysis for CR response biomarkers (including tumor size, cell- and vessel-size correlates, and texture analysis) in mice with patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of pediatric EPN. Female severely immune deficient (SCID) mice were used for intracranial orthotopical inoculation of disaggregated tumors from pediatric EPN patients. All multi-parametric MRI sequences (fast spin echo, FLAIR, diffusion weighted, quantitative T2- and r2*-maps) were acquired on a Bruker 9.4 Tesla MRI scanner prior to CR, followed by 2 days and 2 weeks after CR treatment. All radiation treatment was performed using an animal image-guided precision XRAD irradiator (2Gyx5days), using MRI and CT guided EPN localization with added 30 mg/kg 5-fluoracil. All MRI analysis was performed using Bruker ParaVision software and MATLAB based modeling. The sensitivity of T2w-MRI scans was 0.2 mm for the smallest tumor detected; the median tumor volume at baseline was 2.5 mm3. Untreated mice showed rapid progression of tumor growth from small to intermediate to large EPN. The increased tumor sizes in untreated EPN were characterized by low ADC, highly elevated blood vessel density and large tumor cell size. A significant decrease in vessel size density and an increase in inflammatory cells were seen as soon as 2 days after CR therapy. The late response (2 weeks post CR) is characterized by increased ADC values and decreased cell size, resulting in significantly decreased tumor volumes.

Prognostic Value of Red Cell Distribution Width in Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a haematological parameter that indicates the range of sizes of red blood cells. It is now widely acknowledged as a prognostic indicator for ischaemic stroke. Aim and Objective: To Study theprognostic value of red cell distribution width (RDW) in outcome of acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Method: The cross-sectional study was undertaken at Aarupadi Veedu Medical College in Puducherry. It included 61 patients, aged 18-80 years, who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours. Clinical assessment of patient by NIHSS Score and measuring the outcome by modified Rankin scale. The study took place in both the Outpatient and Inpatient in Department of General Medicine. Results: The study indicates a notable proportion of male more than female ,older participants (64.0% aged 56 years and above), There is a significant occurrence of hypertension (62.3%) and diabetes mellitus (63.9%) a substantial frequency of individuals who do not smoke (63.9%), and a majority of participants who do not use alcohol (77.0%). Levels of RDW exhibited significant positive relationships with stroke severity. Conclusion: The study highlights the potential of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) as a helpful predictive indicator in outcome of ischemic stroke. Increased RDW levels were observed to have a substantial correlate with more severe stroke and disability, as indicated by strong associations with NIHSS and mRS scores. The study emphasizes the usefulness of RDW in assessing the severity of ischaemic stroke and emphasizes the need for additional research to improve its clinical use.

Morphological and Optical Profiling of Melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 Melanoma Cells Via Digital Holographic Microscopy and Quantitative Phase Imaging.

Melanoma, which originates from pigment-producing melanocytes, is an aggressive and deadly skin cancer. Despite extensive research, its mechanisms of progression and metastasis remain unclear. This study uses quantitative phase imaging via digital holographic microscopy, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) to identify the morphological, optical, and behavioral differences between normal melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. Our findings reveal significant differences in cell shape, size, and internal organization, with SK-MEL-28 cells displaying greater size variability, more polygonal shapes, and higher optical thickness. Phase shift parameters and surface roughness analyses underscore melanoma cells' uniform and predictable textures. Violin plots highlight the dynamic and varied migration of SK-MEL-28 cells, contrasting with the localized movement of melanocytes. Hierarchical clustering of correlation matrices provides further insights into complex morphological and optical relationships. Integrating label-free imaging with robust analytical methods enhances understanding of melanoma's aggressive behavior, supporting targeted therapies and highlighting potential biomarkers for precise melanoma diagnostics and treatment.

A high-performance ultra-compact plasmonic metamaterial structure for optical THz absorption

This study presents the design and analysis of a high-performance metamaterial absorber for the optical terahertz (THz) regime. The proposed absorber utilizes a unique nested flower-shaped structure composed of nickel (Ni) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), achieving an average absorption exceeding 97.91% with a broad bandwidth of 1320 THz (180 THz − 1500 THz). A unit cell size of 66 nm × 66 nm × 24 nm makes this design highly attractive for miniaturized devices. Strong absorption originates from localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), where light interacts with the electrons on the Ni surface. Notably, the design maintains excellent absorption performance even at oblique incident angles up to 60° with polarization insensitivity. These results highlight the Ultra-Compact Plasmonic Metamaterial (UCPM) absorber’s potential for diverse applications due to its broad spectral response, high absorption efficiency, and minimal footprint, making it valuable for energy harvesting, infrared imaging, and electromagnetic stealth technologies.

Staining and resin embedding of whole Daphnia magna samples for micro-CT imaging enabling 3D visualization of cells, tissues, and organs.

Micro-CT imaging is a powerful tool for generating high-resolution, isotropic, three-dimensional datasets of whole, centimeter-scale model organisms. At histological resolutions, micro-CT can be used for whole-animal qualitative and quantitative characterization of tissue and organismal structure in health and disease. The small size, global freshwater distribution, wide range of cell size and structures of micron scale, and common use of Daphnia magna in toxicological and environmental studies make it an ideal model for demonstrating the potential power of micro-CT-enabled whole-organism phenotyping. This protocol details the steps involved in D. magna samples preparation for micro-CT, including euthanasia, fixation, staining, and resin embedding. Micro-CT reconstructions of samples imaged using synchrotron micro-CT reveal histological (microanatomic) features of organ systems, tissues, and cells in the context of the entire organism at sub-micron resolution and in 3D. The enabled "3D histology" and 3D renderings can be used for morphometric analyses across cells, tissues, and organ systems.