Every cell, regardless of whether it is animal or plant in origin, undergoes the cell cycle, a process that involves growth and cell division. As mitosis or meiosis occurs, minute changes in the cell’s structure and in its components also take place. Prior to the observation technique provided by phase contrast microscopy, it was difficult to observe the cell cycle under a microscope primarily because the process required living cells. In traditional microscopy, it was necessary to stain the cell in order to produce enough contrast with which to observe progress in the cell cycle. The only problem is that staining often kills the cell. With phase contrast microscopy, observing living cells became a possibility. (more…)

Advancements in science and technology have created various living cell observation techniques for scientists and researchers to use. If you have the freedom to choose, take your time in evaluating all your options. (more…)

Cells make up all living things, whether plants or animals. There are millions or even billions of cells in an organism, each performing tasks that are vital for the sustenance of life. The parts of a cell are of course complex, each structure contributes to the greater role of each cell for the entire body. Here are the major part of the cell: (more…)

A now world-renowned physicist Frits Zernike develops phase contrast microscopes early in the 20th century. Phase contrast microscopes are considered the next-generation microscopes used inside laboratories found inside hospitals, classrooms, and research centers. A phase contrast microscope adapts a certain type of technology that allows users to see a more detailed version of the specimen they are observing. (more…)

Quantitative phase contrast microscopy is still a relatively new technique. Scientists and researchers are still working on testing its limits and how far this technique can go but at present, quantitative phase contrast microscopy has already made us see microorganisms in a whole new light. (more…)