Imaging the Whole Organism
In some respects scientific research has come full circle: Scientists started looking at whole organisms and then drilled down to the molecular level. Now they are beginning to look at the whole organism again, but with a better knowledge of the fundamental molecular building blocks. This new 'physiology' research has led Olympus to develop a number of new instruments such as the SZX2 stereo microscope series, the MVX10 Macroscope and OV110 whole animal imaging system. The sensitivity and resolution of these microscope systems drive 3D fluorescence work to new levels, enabling researchers to gain new insights into the complex mechanisms of life. The Ultimate 3D View
With our visual system tuned to seeing things in three dimensions, flat images, even in high resolution can fail to successfully show the information fully. At higher magnifications though, there is not enough depth of field to generate a 3-dimensional view. Therefore, stereo microscopy has always had a place in the low magnification observation of samples that have enough depth information. The SZX2 range from Olympus has taken stereo microscopy a step further, providing high resolution and high fidelity images across a very broad magnification range. The UIS2 optics also enable an unprecedented fluorescence capability through the use of high numerical apertures (NAs) and autofluorescence-free glass. This maximizes the light available for each of the two optical paths in the Galileo-based arrangement. This plus other features enable the SZX2 series to offer the best all round low magnification imaging systems. High Sensitivity Fluorescence Zoom Macroscope
The MVX10 provides the ultimate in fluorescence microscopy at low magnifications with a specially developed optical system using very high NA objectives. As a result they provide excellent resolution and extremely efficient light collection even with its large working distances (WDs). This means that the faintest of fluorescent signals from an entire organism such as a C. elegans or a zebrafish (Dario rerio) can be viewed at low magnification and then zoomed in on for a closer look and further investigation. This seamless process is possibly due to the parfocal design of the objectives, the precision zoom optics and the two position revolving nosepiece. These outstanding features mean that the MVX10 is an excellent tool for the pre-screening of samples, for example, which improves workflows and efficiency. Identification of interesting regions within an entire organism can be done quickly and easily. Since this is not so easy with high magnification systems such as confocal laser scanning microscopes (cLSMs), researchers can save a lot of time in screening whole organisms using an MVX10. This allows them to screen out unsuitable specimens (no signal) without blocking important and expensive resources such as cLSMs. As a result, research becomes more time and cost efficient and is also accelerated. Highly Sensitive and Fast Imaging of Small Laboratory Animals
The OV110 imaging system uses a combination of motorized magnification changer, high NA optics, heated chamber (plus optional anaesthesia equipment), an advanced zoom system, and digital camera to provide whole animal to cellular level bio-illuminated (e.g., fluorescence, etc.) imaging in live samples. As a result, the OV110 delivers the optimum clarity at all levels: anatomical, tissue, vascular and cellular. These features combined with the latest fluorescent dyes and advanced post-acquisition processing software make the OV110 perfect for a large number of investigations, such as the extravasation of labeled cancer cells, the growth/shrinking of tumors, bone healing as well as the blood system, for example. Image 1.
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