Optical Microscopy and Soil Structure

Super-resolution optical microscopy for studying membrane structure and dynamics.

Investigation of cell membrane structure and dynamics requires high spatial and temporal resolution. The spatial resolution of conventional light microscopy is limited due to the diffraction of light. However, recent developments in microscopy enabled us to access the nano-scale regime spatially, thus to elucidate the nanoscopic structures in the cellular membranes. In this review, we will expl...

Nonlinear optical microscopy and ultrasound imaging of human cervical structure.

The cervix softens and shortens as its collagen microstructure rearranges in preparation for birth, but premature change may lead to premature birth. The global preterm birth rate has not decreased despite decades of research, likely because cervical microstructure is poorly understood. Our group has developed a multilevel approach to evaluating the human cervix. We are developing quantitative ...

Optical and Electron Microscopy

Optical Microscopy

binocular microscopes with image-erecting prisms, and the first stereomicroscope (14). Early in the twentieth century, microscope manufacturers began parfocalizing objectives, allowing the image to remain in focus when the microscopist exchanged objectives on the rotating nosepiece. In 1824, Zeiss introduced a LeChatelier-style metallograph with infinitycorrected optics, but this method of corr...

Study of environmental biodegradation of LDPE films in soil using optical and scanning electron microscopy.

An outdoor soil burial test was carried out to evaluate the degradation of commercially available LDPE carrier bags in natural soil for up to 2 years. Biodegradability of low density polyethylene films in soil was monitored using both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 7-9 months of soil exposure, microbial colonization was evident on the film surface. Exposed LDPE samples ex...