Microscopy: Imaging far and wide

A custom-built objective lens called the Mesolens allows relatively large biological specimens to be imaged with cellular resolution. It was developed by Brad Amos, LMB Emeritus scientist, and a team at the University of Strathclyde led by Professor Gail McConnell,along with lens designer Esmond Reid.  For the first time it becomes possible to see the whole picture. For example, a small tumour can be examined in its entirety but the images are sharp enough to see the internal structure of individual cells migrating out of the mass. Previously, this could only be seen in a tiny sub-region, so important details could be missed. More…