Cellular Imaging

Cellular imaging is a crucial component of the life sciences, and several labs in the Bell Center are working on improving different techniques and technologies to better image different properties of cells.

Rudolf Oldenbourg's lab is currently developing a new type of microscope "the LC-PolScope, for the analysis of molecular order directly in living cells with unprecedented sensitivity, resolution, and speed" (Laboratory of Rudolph Oldenbourg ND). The goal of this new polarized light microscope is to "gain insight into submicroscopic structural parameters and non-invasively create contrast where native structures are otherwise invisible" (Laboratory of Rudolph Oldenbourg ND).

Michael Shribak's lab focuses on biomedical optics. More specifically their research employs "a combination of optical, mechanical and software designs to create advanced light microscopes for studying the architectural dynamics in living cells" (Laboratory of Michael Shribak ND). The lab has created new kinds of polarized light and differential interference microscopes. According to the lab: "these new imaging modes allow us to observe and record living cells with extremely fine details, some of which have never been seen with any other mode of microscopy before. Since image contrast in these modes is generated without the need to stain or to modify the cell in any way, cells can be followed for long periods of time, non-invasively, as they undergo mitosis, organelle movement or transformation, morphogenesis, and other dynamic changes. Yet these imaging modes should be compatible with fluorescent staining if desired" (Laboratory of Michael Shribak ND).

In the Laboratory of Tomomi Tani and Maki Koike-Tani another approach is being taken towards imaging. Tomomi Tani has been "developing a new fluorescence microscope to see three dimensional orientations of individual molecules while being assembled in 3D architectures in living cells, multi-cellular tissues and in a whole living organism" (Laboratory of Tomomi Tani and Maki Koike-Tani ND). Maki Koike-Tani has been using this advanced technology in order to delve into "new approaches to develop non-invasive imaging of neural activity by the use of polarized light microscopy" (Laboratory of Tomomi Tani and Maki Koike-Tani ND).