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Related Concept Videos

Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy01:18

Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy

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Optical microscopy uses optic principles to provide detailed images of samples. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek designed the first compound optical microscope in the 17th century to visualize blood cells, bacteria, and yeast cells. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes with enhanced magnification and resolution.
In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...
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Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

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The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...
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Key Techniques in Microbiology01:19

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Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...
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Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

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To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...
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Two-dimensional (2D) microscopy encompasses a range of optical techniques that capture images within a single focal plane, offering detailed representations of microscopic structures. These techniques are essential in biological and medical research, enabling the visualization of cellular and subcellular structures with different levels of contrast and specificity.There are several major types of 2D microscopy, each with strengths and applications.Bright-Field MicroscopyBright-field microscopy...
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Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
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Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Proper Care and Cleaning of the Microscope
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Proper Care and Cleaning of the Microscope

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A practical guide to microscope care and maintenance.

Lara J Petrak1, Jennifer C Waters1

  • 1Departments of Cell Biology, Departments of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Methods in Cell Biology
|June 30, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Regular microscope maintenance and quality control are essential for optimal performance. This guide covers preventing, identifying, and troubleshooting common microscope issues for better results.

Keywords:
CleanFiltersIlluminationMaintenanceProblemTemperatureTestingTroubleshootVibration

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Area of Science:

  • Microscopy
  • Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
  • Quality Control

Background:

  • Microscope performance is critical for accurate scientific research.
  • Deterioration in performance can lead to erroneous results.
  • Proactive care is often more efficient than reactive repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a practical guide for microscope care.
  • To emphasize the importance of routine maintenance and quality control.
  • To assist users in preventing, identifying, and troubleshooting common microscope issues.

Main Methods:

  • The chapter outlines preventative maintenance strategies.
  • It details methods for quality control testing.
  • Troubleshooting steps for frequent problems are described.

Main Results:

  • Implementing the outlined practices ensures sustained optimal microscope performance.
  • Early identification and resolution of issues minimize downtime.
  • Consistent quality control validates the reliability of microscopic observations.

Conclusions:

  • Regular maintenance and quality control are fundamental to reliable microscopy.
  • This guide offers actionable strategies for effective microscope management.
  • Adherence to best practices enhances the longevity and accuracy of microscope use.