Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Improving scientific mentoring with history and philosophy of science.

Proceedings. Biological sciences·2026
Same author

Reflections on Model Species in Evolutionary Developmental Biology.

Results and problems in cell differentiation·2025
Same author

Great power and great responsibility: how consciousness changes the world.

Nature·2024
Same author

Metabolic complementation between cells drives the evolution of tissues and organs.

Biology letters·2024
Same author

The paradox of predictability provides a bridge between micro- and macroevolution.

Journal of evolutionary biology·2024
Same author

Mutation and evolution: Conceptual possibilities.

BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology·2024
Same journal

The Drosophila ovarian terminal filament imports lipophilic molecules that support cyst and follicle development within the ovariole.

Developmental biology·2026
Same journal

Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 Controls Distal Lung Formation via Wnt and PDGF Signaling.

Developmental biology·2026
Same journal

The vascular-osteogenic interface in craniofacial development: a structured review of emerging associations in congenital malformations.

Developmental biology·2026
Same journal

Turning off metamorphosis: Thyroid hormone deregulation in the evolution of obligately paedomorphic salamanders.

Developmental biology·2026
Same journal

Developmental analysis of the cone photoreceptor-less little skate retina reveals distinct Onecut1 isoforms.

Developmental biology·2026
Same journal

Germline cysts require Ecdysone receptor for proper timing of encapsulation in the Drosophila ovary.

Developmental biology·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection
11:00

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection

Published on: June 23, 2023

954

Measuring cell movement: Concepts and quantification.

Alan C Love1, Yoshinari Yoshida2

  • 1Department of Philosophy and Minnesota Center for Philosophy of Science, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, USA.

Developmental Biology
|June 5, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Michael Abercrombie pioneered timelapse microscopy and quantitative measurements in developmental biology. His work on contact inhibition of locomotion fundamentally changed our understanding of cell behavior and development.

More Related Videos

A Quantitative Evaluation of Cell Migration by the Phagokinetic Track Motility Assay
11:30

A Quantitative Evaluation of Cell Migration by the Phagokinetic Track Motility Assay

Published on: December 4, 2012

13.8K
Automated Quantification and Analysis of Cell Counting Procedures Using ImageJ Plugins
11:01

Automated Quantification and Analysis of Cell Counting Procedures Using ImageJ Plugins

Published on: November 17, 2016

47.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection
11:00

Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection

Published on: June 23, 2023

954
A Quantitative Evaluation of Cell Migration by the Phagokinetic Track Motility Assay
11:30

A Quantitative Evaluation of Cell Migration by the Phagokinetic Track Motility Assay

Published on: December 4, 2012

13.8K
Automated Quantification and Analysis of Cell Counting Procedures Using ImageJ Plugins
11:01

Automated Quantification and Analysis of Cell Counting Procedures Using ImageJ Plugins

Published on: November 17, 2016

47.0K

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Michael Abercrombie was a key figure in 20th-century developmental biology.
  • His work introduced novel methods for studying cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To revisit Abercrombie's seminal 1950s papers.
  • To highlight his contributions to cell motility research and contact inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Timelapse microscopy for observing cell behavior.
  • Quantitative measurements of cell movement.
  • Detailed experimental procedures and attention to detail.

Main Results:

  • Introduction of timelapse microscopy to developmental biology.
  • Articulation of the concept of contact inhibition of locomotion.
  • Key discoveries in cell motility and interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Abercrombie's approach emphasized rigorous experimentation and technology.
  • His work established a lasting legacy in cell and developmental biology.
  • His methods and concepts continue to influence scientific inquiry.