Dynamic imaging of calcium and STIM1 in the same cell using wide-field and TIRF microscopy.

Live-cell imaging offers the power of capturing the dynamics of biological action in live cells and in real time, something not previously available with biochemical approaches. Microscopy has progressed and static morphological observation can now be complemented by the ability to monitor dynamic cellular activities in living tissues with sub-micrometer resolution in real time. This offers valuable insight into the nature of cellular and tissue function, not previously possible using fixed cell techniques. Researchers investigating calcium signaling have particularly benefitted from live-cell imaging, and new discoveries in the field continue with new developments in imaging technology.