May. 16, 2013

Improving Drug Delivery with Macrophage Targeting

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a powerful tool, advancing research across a variety of disciplines. With the many challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring a drug reaches its target site is a key priority. This article describes how CLSM is central to the development of a novel drug delivery system, where the authors have created an advanced stealth liposome approach. moreMay. 13, 2013

Unmask the Hidden without Probes: CARS

Fluorescence microscopy assumed a pivotal role in cell biology once it was possible to stain cell components selectively by fluorescing dyes. One of the first explorers of targeted stainings, Paul Ehrlich, had the idea that something that stains specifically should also kill specifically - which was associated with the term "magic bullet", the essential idea of chemotherapy. His group discovered Salvarsan, a tailored drug against syphilis - though not specific enough not to cause substantial side effects. moreApr. 08, 2013

Open Source Microscopy

Challenging the constraints of the traditional microscope system, Olympus introduces its new open source microscopy concept, led by the inverted IX3 microscope frame series. Designed around an accessible infinite light path design, optical modules can be easily exchanged, molding the microscope to the diverse requirements of the user. The IX3 series suits anything from routine observation to advanced imaging techniques in all live cell applications. The Olympus IX3 frames can be easily adapted to apply such observation methods. moreFeb. 04, 2013

3D Confocal Raman Imaging

Structured substrates are widely employed in semiconductor research and especially in current semiconductor development. The high demands on device quality and reliability make it increasingly important to have a detailed knowledge of the inherent strain and crystalline properties of device structures. X-ray diffraction is commonly used in order to probe film thicknesses, lattice constants and strain states of layer structures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to inspect surfaces and defects in the structure to understand the growth history.
moreDec. 11, 2012

Gates Open for Improvement

True confocal microscope systems feature single-point illumination and single-point detection [1]. The method is called "optical sectioning" since the generated image contains only information from the focal plane. The serial detection offers highly efficient and low-noise sensors for signal conversion. Although the nonparallel detection is not conducive to high-speed imaging, modern scanning concepts allow frame rates above 400 frames per second at reasonable noise levels. moreAug. 27, 2012

Geological Applications of Helium Ion Microscopy

Currently, shale gas and coal bed methane are attracting increased interest as energy sources. Various data suggest that micro- to nano-scale pores exist within shale and coal, leading to gas transport. Direct visualization of the pore networks remains relevant to fully evaluating gas storage and recovery issues associated with these resources.
moreNov. 02, 2009

Piezo Drives for Microscopy

It is difficult to imagine microscopy in biotechnology or clinical and pharmaceutical research without automation technology. Many applications in industrial surface inspection also require appropriate solutions for sample handling and sample positioning because of the large amount of data and the desired throughput. Conventional stepper motors achieve the required speeds and have resolutions in the micron range, making them adequate as drives for sample scanning in the XY-direction. moreNov. 02, 2009

Investigating the Material World

Corrosion is a big problem. From metal and concrete to polymers and electronics, different forms of decay lead to structural and functional failures that can sometimes be of fundamental importance. The Swedish Corrosion and Metals Institute - Swerea KIMAB, is focused on developing and improving solutions for materials research. As such, they are studying corrosion in its many forms as well as the various methods used to prevent it. more