Live Imaging of Tardigrade Embryonic Development by Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy
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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast DIC Microscopy
Published on: August 6, 2008
Kira L Heikes1,2, Bob Goldstein3,2,4
1Biology Department, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
Abstract:
The tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris was chosen as a model system in part because embryos and animals are optically clear at all stages, facilitating the viewing and filming of internal processes. Multiplane video recordings under differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy have allowed early embryonic cell lineages to be reconstructed through seven rounds of division and have revealed invariant patterns of asymmetric cell divisions, nuclear migrations, and cell migrations. Here, we present a protocol for filming embryonic development of H. exemplaris by DIC microscopy.
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