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Capturing the Beauty of Cellular Movement Through Advanced Microscopy
In the realm of studying diseases defined by movement, observing cilia in motion through videos is crucial. However, due to their small size and rapid movements, traditional microscopy techniques fall short. Optical engineer Xu has developed a diffractive super-resolution microscope that utilizes multiple light waves and digital micromirrors to capture cilia movements with high precision and resolution while minimizing light exposure to biological samples.
“To truly comprehend these diseases, one must witness around 10 seconds of movement, not just a static image,” Xu emphasizes. “The mesmerizing beat of cilia reveals the intricate and significant processes occurring within our bodies, making microscopy a universal language.”
The recent Small World in Motion competition showcased impressive entries, with Nguyen Nam Nhat from Vietnam securing second place with videos of a roundworm and a single-celled organism. Benedikt Preyer from Bavaria, Germany, earned third place with footage of a jellyfish larva suspended in water. Andrew Moore from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the US clinched fourth place for his video capturing synchronized cell division, while Patrick Hickey of Hypha Research Ltd., Edinburgh, Scotland, claimed the fifth spot with his visualization of mitochondria and chloroplast dynamics in Turtle Vine leaf cells.
Explore the award-winning works and more honorable mentions here.
Source: arstechnica.com
