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Related Concept Videos

Fixation and Sectioning01:03

Fixation and Sectioning

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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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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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Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy01:16

Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy

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Confocal microscopy is an advanced microscopic technique. The prime advantage of the confocal microscope over other microscopy techniques is its ability to block the out-of-focus light from the illuminated samples using pinholes. It is widely used with fluorescence optics to obtain high-resolution, sharp contrast images. Unlike optical microscopes, confocal microscopes use a focused beam of light laser to scan the entire sample surface at different z-planes. These microscopes are, therefore,...
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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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Updated: May 16, 2025

Automated Slide Scanning and Segmentation in Fluorescently-labeled Tissues Using a Widefield High-content Analysis System
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Simple and nondestructive method to access and process material on coverslipped slides.

Natalia Pedraza1, Michael A Marciano1

  • 1Forensic & National Security Sciences Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.

Journal of Forensic Sciences
|May 15, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Investigators can now safely access forensic evidence on old slides. A new, simple method removes coverslips without damaging delicate samples like hair and fibers, improving analysis for sexual assault evidence and autopsy slides.

Keywords:
coverslipcoverslip removalmicroscope slideslidearchival

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Microscopy
  • Evidence Collection

Background:

  • Forensic evidence is often limited, requiring analysis of non-optimal sources like archival slides.
  • Slides from sexual assault evidence kits, autopsies, and hospitals contain valuable physical evidence (hair, cells, fibers) trapped in mounting media.
  • Traditional coverslip removal methods are hazardous, using dangerous solvents and potentially compromising samples.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a new, safe, and nondestructive method for accessing slide-bound forensic evidence.
  • To improve the analysis of trace evidence from challenging sources.
  • To enable the use of new, more sensitive analytical technologies on previously inaccessible material.

Main Methods:

  • A novel technique utilizing a humid environment to gradually separate mounting media from coverslips.
  • Application of clear nail polish to the coverslip for safe, crack-free removal.
  • Testing on slides of varying ages (6+ years) with diverse mounting media.

Main Results:

  • The method successfully removed 100% of coverslips tested.
  • The process is simple, safe, and nondestructive to the underlying physical evidence.
  • Preserved samples are accessible for downstream analysis with advanced technologies.

Conclusions:

  • This new method provides safe and effective access to critical forensic evidence previously trapped on slides.
  • It overcomes the limitations of hazardous traditional techniques.
  • It enhances the potential for detailed analysis of trace evidence from sexual assault kits and archival sources.