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Overview of Microscopy Techniques

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

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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Updated: Mar 2, 2026

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

Published on: January 11, 2011

An open source, wireless capable miniature microscope system.

William A Liberti¹, L Nathan Perkins, Daniel P Leman

¹Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America. Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America.

Journal of Neural Engineering

|May 18, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a low-cost, 3D-printed miniature microscope for tracking neural activity in freely behaving animals. This open-source tool enables long-term observation of neural circuits, aiding the study of learning and brain function.

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Last Updated: Mar 2, 2026

High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Bioengineering
Optical Imaging

Background:

Head-mounted fluorescence imaging is crucial for studying neural circuits in behaving animals.
Current methods require flexible, open-source designs to advance research.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a cost-effective, modular miniature microscope for in vivo fluorescence imaging.
To enable long-term, cell-type specific neural ensemble recording in freely behaving animals.

Main Methods:

A miniature microscope was constructed using 3D printed parts and off-the-shelf components.
The device weighs under 1.8g and supports various fluorophores.
Custom software allows for low-latency image processing for closed-loop experiments.

Main Results:

The miniature microscope was successfully deployed in the HVC region of singing zebra finches.
Precise temporal patterns of neural calcium activity were recorded from individual neurons.
Neuronal activity was tracked over weeks and months, revealing consistent patterns during song.

Conclusions:

3D printed miniature microscopes offer a modular, affordable solution for head-mounted imaging.
These customizable tools facilitate the study of neural ensembles and learning-related changes over extended periods.