Video microscopy: an old story with a bright biological future

Single-cell analysis is increasingly popular in the field of biology, enabling more precise analyses of heterogeneous phenomena, particularly in the fields of embryology and the study of different diseases. At the heart of this evolution is video microscopy, an ancient but revolutionary technique. From its first use on embryos, through the study of C. Elegans, with the development of algorithms for its automation, the history of video microscopy has been fascinating. Unfortunately, many unresolved issues remain, such as the sheer volume of data produced and the quality of the images taken. The aim of this review is to explore the past, present and future of this technique, which could become indispensable in recent decades, to understand cell fate and how diseases affect their destiny.