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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
08:04
Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
Published on: March 12, 2017
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When biology meets materials science - Interdisciplinary applications of electron microscopy
Martin Saunders1, Peta L Clode1,2, Enoch V S Wong1
1Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Journal of Microscopy
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Interdisciplinary research in electron microscopy, combining biology and materials science, offers significant benefits. Collaboration enhances sample preparation, imaging, and data analysis for complex scientific challenges.
Area of Science:
- Integrates biology and materials science for advanced electron microscopy applications.
- Focuses on the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research.
Background:
- Electron microscopy research at the intersection of biology and materials science presents unique challenges.
- Traditional disciplinary boundaries complicate sample preparation, technique selection, and data interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in electron microscopy.
- To encourage electron microscopy researchers to engage with colleagues from other fields.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes three case studies of interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Examples include nanoparticles in plants and nanostructures in butterflies.
Main Results:
- Interdisciplinary teams effectively address complex challenges in electron microscopy.
- Collaboration leads to significant advancements beyond single-discipline approaches.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the challenges of biology-materials science interface research requires interdisciplinary teams.
- Embracing collaboration expands expertise and drives innovation in electron microscopy.
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