ELMI 2009 Workshops will be provided by the following companies: Click on logo for workshop Abstract. Workshop sign up information will be emailed to all delegates on Thursday 28^th May.

ELMI 2009 exhibition stands will be provided by the following companies:

Olympus Life Science Europa www.olympus-europa.com

Olympus advanced imaging workshop: FRAP, TIRF and spinning disc cofocal microscopy.

Sven Konzack, Olympus Life Science Europa GmbH,

To gain insights into the secrets of life, advanced live-cell imaging microscopy is essential. The requirement for future live-cell imaging systems is the fusion of extremely sensitive and fast imaging with widefield, spinning disc, TIRF, FRAP and photo activation methods. The new Olympus cell^R 3.2 imaging station is designed for this challenge in livecell imaging. The real-time imaging system combines speed and sensitivity with world-leading timing accuracy. All components are synchronised to work in parallel. This perfect timing, together with the highly stable MT20 fluorescent light source with light management, leads to a system optimised for all kinds of measurements, including FRET, Ca imaging and colocalisation. The redesigned cell^R 3.2 real-time imaging system is increased in speed by implementing overlapping readout functionality, a larger range of high-end cameras from Hamamatsu and Andor and switching times of less than 5 ms between different fluorescent channels in widefield and spinning disc microscopy. Cell^R is now interactive and can be controlled by and react to external trigger pulses in the same experiment in which it also triggers devices. This makes it possible to use cell^R 3.2 for a broad rage of applications, such as FRAP, photo activation, micromanipulation or electrophysiology. Olympus cell^R 3.2 has implemented different FRAP/photo activation solutions designed for exceptionally fast switching times between bleaching and imaging (1 ms) for FRAP and FLIP and for simultaneous photo activation and imaging. These solutions are implemented in combined widefield, spinning disc and TIRF microscopy systems.

Olympus introduces new product family of fluorescence and laser-scanning microscopes – the new FSX100 and FluoView FV10i.

Andreas Pfuhl, Buelent Peker, Olympus Life Science Europa GmbH.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of opto-digital solutions, Olympus has designed a new family of microscopes with a new user-friendly operational concept.The FSX100 compact fluorescence microscope and the globally unique FluoView FV10i confocal laser-scanning microscope are self-contained, independent and mobile.The completely re-engineered design of these microscopes, integrating them into a self-contained package with a variety of functions, enables even inexperienced and first-time users to perform high-quality fluorescence and confocal imaging easily and efficiently. Olympus has made no compromises in ergonomics and image quality, using high-quality optical components and smart and easy software.With these compact, tabletop, exceptionally designed microscopes, Olympus opens up a new research world for every user.

FSX100 fluorescence microscope

FluoView FV10i confocal LSM

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Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH www.leica-microsystems.com

The Leica TCS SMD series: A new platform for single molecule detection and analysis techniques.

Constantin Kappel, Lioba Kuschel Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH

KEY WORDS: Quantitative biology, multi-parametric single molecule detection and analysis (SMD), FCS, FLIM, FLCS, gated FCS, confocal imaging

Molecular interactions, such as protein complex formation, protein DNA interactions or ligand-receptor binding are of utmost significance for quantitative biology. The specific identification of interacting molecules and quantification of binding parameters are important for the development of predictive models. Such models will deepen our insights into living cells on a biological, chemical, and physical level. Further understanding and quantitative characterization of such basic processes can be obtained by the examination of single molecules. Well established methods in this field are Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). The combination of FCS with fluorescence lifetime, Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCS) and gated FCS, allow reducing cross talk and improving signal quality. Spectral imaging combined with FLIM leads to a new depth of data analysis and interpretation. The goal is to maximize the extracted information inherent to fluorescence. We introduce the TCS SMD series, which integrate hard- and software from PicoQuant GmbH (Berlin, Germany) with our high end confocal system TCS SP5. This series constitutes a flexible platform for a variety of single molecule detection demands, particularly of FCS and FLIM. The complete data acquisition is controlled by one single software. Straightforward application wizards guarantee an easy handling and allow automated recording of FLIM volume stacks and FLIM lambda stacks for spectral and time resolved imaging. FCS time series conducted at data points predefined in three dimensions allow automated measurements of diffusion parameters in living cells

Figure 1: Spectrally optimized computation of FRET efficiency from spectral FLIM image stacks. Samples: GFP (donor), GFP-mCherry tandem (FRET pair), and GFP and mCherry (FRET negative control) transfected into HeLa cells Courtesy: M. Weiss, J. Szymanski, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany

Excitation: 470 nm, 40 MHz repetition frequency.The acquisition of a spectral FLIM stack allows optimizing the spectral range used for computation of FRET efficiency.

Perfection of Dissection The First Laser Microdissection System with a Flexible Laser

Wetzlar, Germany.

The new Leica LMD7000 by Leica Microsystems is the only laser microdissection system with a power adjustable high precision laser. Until now, it was not possible to combine the two main features of a laser – high laser power and high repetition rate – within one system. The Leica LMD7000 can dissect thick and hard specimens with high laser power. The laser is set to a high pulse repetition rate for the fast excision of single cells, or thin and soft samples. The new laser microdissection systems – Leica LMD6500 and Leica LMD7000 by Leica Microsystems – use gravity to collect the samples. The dissectates, no matter their size or shape, are collected in a contact- and contamination-free manner. No additional procedures are necessary. The laser beam movement is controlled by high precision optics. The microscope stage and the sample are both fixed. This allows highest incision accuracy at high magnifications as well as high cutting speed at low magnifications. Both are prerequisites to obtain homogeneous material for analysis and reliable results. A new intuitive user interface eases the operator’s everyday life. Additional consumables, such as a non-fluorescent glass-like membrane for all contrasting methods, complete the extensive consumables program. The new laser microdissection systems Leica LMD6500 and Leica LMD7000 are the ideal instruments for the dissection of living cells and single cells for biomarkers research, molecular pathology and many more downstream applications.

Leica Widefield Superresolution with AngstromäStructured illumination at its best.
André Quinkertz, Leica Microsystems Europe

Keywords: Widefield Superresolution, structured illumination, optical sectioning

Structured illumination quality relies on fluorescence axis optics. Leica has chosen to offer a no compromise solution because of its perfectly designed external extra fluorescence axis that matches the requirement of advanced structured illumination techniques.

Although many microscopes are capable of using structured light illumination, few can do this effectively. The Leica widefield superresolution system with Angstromä has successfully improved the optical system using chromatically correct, enhanced optics which allow for the best possible projection of only one grid through the complete range of objectives. In addition, the microscope’s built-in fluorescence axis is kept free for other, even simultaneous applications like TIRF, FRET, etc.

Leica microscopes, Angstromä, cameras and much more can be controlled via our powerful Leica MM AF software – based on Metamorph^Ò, a well-known standard in world’s Life Science research labs.

- Generates almost confocal quality images without lasers

- Automatic grid calibration and focusing

- No need to switch grids when changing objectives

- Features the original Optigrid by Qioptics

- The Angstromä can be easily removed, allowing for standard widefield imaging

- Parfocality at all wavelengths, including UV and visible

- Can be used on all inverted microscopes with 100% photo port side exit

- External Filter wheels for Live Cell Imaging

- With grid removed, the system works as a perfect Live Cell Imaging system

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Intelligent Imaging Innovations GmbH www.intelligent-imaging.com

Breaking The Speed Limit.

Intelligent Imaging Innovations (3i) produces turnkey microscopy solutions designed for rapid imaging in multiple dimensions. 3i’s systems have been specifically engineered to produce the highest quality results with the fastest possible speeds in the industry. 3i’s entire product line achieves unprecedented speed in microscopy modalities including spinning disk confocal, FLIM and 2- photon imaging. All systems are capable of detecting multiple fluorescence channels simultaneously on multiple detectors. Examples of speeds achieved include 30fps in 4 colors using our VIVO 2-photon system (512x512), 20 stacks of 20 images in two colors (2 detectors 128x128 each) per second and 30 FLIM images per second (640x480). In the workshop we will discuss how the combination of the different imaging modalities (SDC, FLIM, TIRF, FRAP) can be realized in a single microscope setup. This allows you to switch quickly between different methods and saves hardware and software resources. The focus of the workshop will be on high speed solutions for live cell imaging. Some unique imaging solutions offered by 3i will also be presented: Optical spherical aberration correction for best SDC images / 3D reconstruction. Frequency domain FLIM for widefield, TIRF or SDC. Laser launch with fiber switcher to serve as light source for TIRF, SDC, FRAP
or FLIM

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Agilent Technologies

Advanced Fluorescence Imaging Methods Workshop: TIRF, FRAP and structured illumination.
Russ Hobson Agilent Technologies UK Limited,
710 Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TP

The advancement of various imaging techniques over recent years has increased the number of complex imaging techniques that are available to researchers. The advent of Electron Multiplication CCD cameras has also dramatically affected the speed of data acquisition. A major consideration with this increase in applications and speed of acquisition is the need for hardware movement to keep pace with the data collection. Until recently this has proved difficult particularly with a microscope being capable of multiple imaging techniques.

During this workshop we will introduce the Agilent iMIC 2000 Digital Microscope with iMIC Mode Switch 2020. The iMIC with Mode Switch enables the microscope to collect Widefield, TIRF and Structured Illumination data on the same system whilst actively keeping photobleaching and phototoxicity to a minimum thus enabling extended and more relevant live cell image data. A further advantage is the added ability to carry out FRAP/photo-activation/photo-switching experiments, both in TIRF and Structured Illumination images with fast switching between image acquisition and photo-bleaching in less than 5 milliseconds.

During the workshop we will demonstrate this fast real time 4D image acquisition and show the value of having a single microscope system capable of multiple complex techniques.

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Choosing the right model to analyze FRAP data

Sébastien Huet and Jan Ellenberg, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany.

Fluorescence redistribution after photo-perturbation (FRAP) methods are widely used to study the dynamics of fluorescently labeled biomolecules in-vivo. In essence, all these FRAP techniques aim at perturbing the steady-state fluorescence distribution in a specimen by photo-perturbation of the fluorescence in a selected region (by photo-bleaching, photo-activation or photo-conversion). After the perturbation, one measures how the fluorescence distribution relaxes towards the steady-state. A simple qualitative analysis of the relaxation curves allows extracting the fraction of mobile molecules and the characteristic relaxation time, two parameters that are useful when comparing the behavior of different biomolecules. However, such analysis does not give access to the biophysical and biochemical parameters which directly govern the dynamics of biomolecules inside cells. These parameters are the diffusion coefficient of the studied molecule, the residence time in the bound state and the affinity for its binding partners. This workshop aims at presenting the various analysis methods currently available to extract these parameters from FRAP relaxation curves. We will first show how to test which reaction-diffusion regime is a good model for the dynamics of the biomolecule under observation (reaction-limited, diffusion-limited or mixed reaction-diffusion regime). We will then introduce the different analytical and numerical approaches used to quantitatively analyze FRAP data and discuss the advantages of each approach. Following the presentation, time will be reserved for discussion and workshop attendants are encouraged to bring their own FRAP data.

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Lambert Instruments

Widefield FLIM - Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy:
Lifetime images within seconds of acquisition.
Jeroen Siebring, Lambert Instruments, The Netherlands
siebring@lambert-instruments.com ; www.lambert-instruments.com ; +31-50-5018461

FLIM (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy) is a technique to map the spatial distribution of fluorescence lifetimes within microscopic images and it allows measurements in living cells as well as in fixed materials. The fluorescence lifetime is the exponential decay in emission after the excitation of a fluorescent material has been stopped. It is independent of bleaching and intensity variations in the sample. Some phenomena affect fluorescence lifetimes and therefore the applications of FLIM are various: ion imaging, oxygen imaging, FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) microscopy, etc. When two fluorescent molecules are in very close proximity (< 9 nm), the energy of the one fluorescent (donor) molecule is transferred in a nonradiative process to the other fluorescent (acceptor) molecule. So in case of FRET, the lifetime of the donor molecule decreases and this change can be measured quantitatively by FLIM.

Lambert Instruments has developed a dedicated system (LIFA) that allows image acquisition and generation of lifetime images within one second. The nanosecond lifetime information can be extracted pixel-by-pixel (Figure 1A). The LIFA can be attached to any fluorescence widefield microscope and is compatible to several techniques, like Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (laser-TIRF, Figure 1B) and multi-beam confocal microscopy (by spinning disk, Figure 1C).

Attendants of the workshop will learn about the theory of frequency domain FLIM and dependent on the group size they will have hands-on experience with the LIFA FLIM attachment at the widefield fluorescence microscope. If time permits, it is also possible to study samples of attendants, so you’re welcome to bring your own sample to the LIFA workshop.

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Michael Sommerauer

AHF analysentechnik AG, Kohlplattenweg 18, D-72074 Tübingen

Perfectly matched optical filters are essential tools to image samples in fluorescence analysis.Sputtered optical filters show up to 99% transmission, steepest edges, excellent blocking and high environmental stability. Single-or multiband filters - also for many laser lines - are available.

During the workshop we will discuss filter setups for applications-,multicolor analysis,time lapse experiments,single molecule detection (SMD), TIRF, multiphoton microscopy, SHG, RAMAN / CARS

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Workshop 2

Optical Filters – Specifying filters for advanced microscopy

Michael Sommerauer

AHF analysentechnik AG, Kohlplattenweg 18, D-72074 Tübingen

Advanced microscopy requires very sophisticated optical filter setups. Besides optical specifications also other physical characteristics are decisive for successful experiments.

We will discuss flatness of optical components, wavefront distortion, dispersion and effects of polarized light.

Filters can be stacked or used under angles of incidence ≠ 0 degrees or cone angles ≠ 0 degrees. Options and limitations will be discussed.

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Bitplane - 3D and 4D Image Visualization & Analysis Workshop

Running the workshops:

Luciano Lucas, luciano@bitplane.com Dieter Goehlmann, eusupport@bitplane.com

Shaun Fitch, shaun@bitplane.com

In the Bitplane workshop you will enter the “Champions League” for 3D and 4D Image Visualization & Analysis. The recently updated version, IMARIS 6.3, is one of the most advanced software tools for researchers whose daily business includes microscopy. With its seven modules, IMARIS enables top researchers to easily, load, visualize and analyze data from a few megabytes to more than 50 gigabytes in size, from almost all microscope image formats.

The workshops will introduce you to the IMARIS software, including all the new features, and will enable you to see how you can obtain stunning results from your datasets.

Come and explore the third dimension!

IMARIS6.3: http://www.bitplane.com/

IMARIS modules: http://www.bitplane.com/go/products

IMARIS movies: http://www.bitplane.com/go/web-training

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European Light Microscopy Initiative – Nikon UK

Confocal is A1ive

Powerful and versatile, Nikon’s new generation A1 Confocal systems (A1, A1R and A1Si) incorporates novel optical and electronic technologies to provide unrivalled speed, sensitivity and flexibility in live cell imaging and without undue cell stress. Nikon will be demonstrating the use of fast resonant scanners in combination with standard galvo-based scanners and the use of a second pair of scanners for simultaneous bleaching (FRAP).

New Macro-Confocal Imaging

Nikon will be launching its new Macro-Confocal imaging system during ELMI 2009. This new Macro-Confocal allows the researcher to image large specimens in confocal mode using tele-centric optics, making it ideal for application areas such as developmental biology, cell biology, stem cell, tissue research and many more. The Nikon Macro-Confocal system can be equipped with true spectral imaging and controlled light excitation microscopy.

Evanescent Wave Imaging Perfected

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is a surface imaging technique that can be used to obtain a very thin optical section of a specimen whilst minimising background noise. TIRF is a highly sensitive widefield camera-based technique providing an excellent signal-to-noise ratio compared with epi fluorescence or confocal imaging methods. Coupled with Nikon’s Eclipse Ti inverted microscope and outstanding optics, Nikon will show how its Perfect Focus System will revolutionise your TIRF applications.

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LaVision

Expand Single-beam 2-photon microscopy with Multibeam Technology for higher resolution and higher speed. Add OPO for double-the-depth tissue and intravital imaging.

Two-photon microscopy is indispensable for deep tissue- and intravital-imaging. However, current technology based on single-beam point-scanning has reached sensitivity- and speed-limits as higher performance requires higher laser-power leading to sample-degradation. LaVision BioTec’s TriM Scope utilize a single beam scanner as well as a multi-focal scanhead, splitting a laser-beam into a line of 64 foci allowing sample illumination in real-time at full laser-power. This technology requires CCD-field-detection contrary to conventional detection by photomultipliers (PMT). The advantage of PMT-detection starts at imaging larger depths due to a better signal-to-noise-ratio, while CCDs allow real-time detection of rapid processes. LaVision BioTec’s TriM Scope provides both techniques, which can be compared during the workshop.

A new technology expanding the excitation range beyond 1000 nm will be presented. The optical parametric oscillator OPO produces fs IR light at high repetition rate. The IR light penetrates even deeper into tissue and excites new red fluorescent proteins (RFP, DSRed etc.) at their true excitation wavelenght. Expect to double the depth you can reach!

Finally, we will discuss our latest addition: a sensitive and fast TCSPC FLIM detector. Until now one has had to choose between fast but rather shallow imaging, and deep but slow. For the first time FLIM imaging deep into a tissue can be realised at biologically relevant speeds.

LVBT ELMI Presentation

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Advanced Quantitative Low Light CCD and EMCCD Imaging for Bio-Research

Jim Schumacher & Deepak K. Sharma

Photometrics, 3440 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, AZ, USA 85745

Keywords: EMCCD, on-chip gain, CCD imaging, incident photons, Quant-View, Rapid-Cal

Photometrics will present a simple yet comprehensive course on measurement of photons via CCD imaging. We will start with a short talk explaining basic concepts of CCD imaging and fundamentals of CCD operation. Concepts such as speed, binning, linearity, read noise, system gain and calculation of incident photons will be covered. Lab handouts will be given and short lab tasks will be performed. These will include understanding and consulting the specifications provided by CCD camera manufacturers on their data sheets. An exercise will be performed where participants will measure a mean variance curve which will be used to calculate photo-electrons per grey level. User will then be able to back calculate their imaging data into photo-electrons and even probable number of incident photons. Advanced quantitative EMCCD imaging will also be demonstrated utilizing propriety advanced EM-CCD technology such as Rapid-Cal and Quant-View and the importance of such quantitative low light measurements in bio research imaging will also be discussed.

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ELMI 2009 Conference
Glasgow, UK

Presenter: Paul C. Goodwin
Technical Fellow and Sr. Product Line Manager
Applied Precision, Inc.

Title: Super Resolution and High-speed Imaging with DeltaVision OMX

Abstract:

In this workshop we will describe the DeltaVision OMX system from Applied Precision. This system, based on the OMX Microscope developed Dr. John Sedat and colleagues at UCSF, is capable of fast, live-cell imaging for fast dynamic events and is also capable of super-resolution imaging using structured illumination methods per Mats Gustafsson and others (3D-SIM). With 3D-SIM, the DeltaVision OMX system is routinely achieving ~100nm lateral and ~250nm axial resolution with multiple probes well away from the cover glass. In this workshop we will also provide instruction into the mechanics of 3D-SIM, image reconstruction methods, and hands on post-processing of 3D-SIM images. Finally, a number of examples will be given where the 3D-SIM is being used in biomedical research.

Note: Due to the size of the actual DeltaVision OMX system, the acquisition system will not be present at ELMI.

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Carl Zeiss Workshop 1

CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY, IMPROVEMENTS IN SIGNAL TO NOISE AND SPECTRAL IMAGING

To use the full capacity of various fluorescent dyes and labelling techniques it is essential to clearly identify and separate their emission signals. This is often complicated by similar excitation and emission spectra. As a consequence, conventional imaging approaches with limited flexibility in detection and excitation do not provide an accurate identification of fluorescent components with similar spectral properties.

The innovative changes in the new design of the universal TwinGate beamsplitter and the QUASAR Detector in the LSM 710 take spectral imaging to a new level. The new InTune laser with free selectable excitation wavelength allows an exact fine tuning of imaging strategies. On the detection side, the arrangement of a 34 channel detection allows fast spectral detection with simultaneous acquisition and ideal SNR.

The excellent sensitivity of this calibrated and linearized detector unit (the QUASAR detector) and its outstanding suppression of noise and excitation laser light provides the basis for advanced processing techniques. Advanced algorithms such as weighted linear unmixing greatly enhance the accuracy of the unmixing result. Overall, the linear unmixing technology coming with the LSM 710 results in improved precision and signal strength of crosstalk-free images.

For multiphoton imaging, the detection of the emission signals needs to be as efficient as possible. The new LSM 710 NLO from Carl Zeiss offers a cascade of up to 5 PMT-based NDDs and a single detector using the GaAsP technology. The very low dark noise of this detector produces outstanding images with very high signal to noise ratios.

With the new ZEN 2009 software, all these advantages are available now in a 64-bit software environment for better RAM and computing performance.

Carl Zeiss Workshop 2

Recent technological advancements in Confocal Microscopy
From a specialists’ system to the high end microscope for all – the LSM 700

Laser scanning microscopes (LSMs) together with an increasing number of fluorochromes provide a powerful tool to directly visualize the complex relationships and interactions of cell components and molecules in their natural context. By eliminating out of focus fluorescent signal the LSMs produce optical sections and provide a clear image of the sample without having to physically harm the sample.

The new LSM 700 from Carl Zeiss MicroImaging pushes sensitivity, image quality and flexibility to next level, by the means of the innovative changes in beampath design with its highly corrected optics and the outstanding electronics of the PMT detectors.

Up to four stable solid-state lasers are individually guided and color-corrected into the optical axis of the system,

Efficient separation of the fluorescence signals is mastered by the unique variable secondary dichroic (VSD), granting flexible adjustments to the image setup for presently and future used fluorochromes ensuring unambiguous results. The innovative integration of the VSD beamsplitter into the LSM 700 concept provides a highly efficient method of spectral image acquisition, enabling for precise separation of even highly overlapping fluorescent signals.

Above and beyond its superb imaging capabilities, the LSM 700 provides the means to conduct complex multidimensional experiments, such as 3D, live cell imaging, ion imaging, as well as photomanipulation setups as used for example in FRAP, FLIP and photoactivation.

The intuitive ZEN software provides easy control of all technical features of the LSM 700. The integrated Smart Setup tool conveniently assists you to set the microscope for optimum image acquisition within the shortest possible time.

Carl Zeiss Workshop 3

Cell Observer® SD – the Solution for Fast Confocal Imaging on Living Cells

Carl Zeiss combines HighEnd-Technologies: ms-precision of Cell Observer®, the live cell imaging platform from Carl Zeiss, with high speed optical sectioning of CSU-X1, the latest confocal scanning unit from Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan). In combination, Cell Observer SD offers fast confocal image acquisition, precise timing and highest flexibility.

The modular concept of Cell Observer® allows configuration of an individual system to suit your applicational needs. A range of high magnification objectives especially designed for live cell imaging and perfectly suited for use with CSU-X1; Cameras offering highest sensitivity and acquisition speed and a variety of incubation solutions. All components are fully integrated into AxioVision, the software from Carl Zeiss allowing convenient control of complex experiments and documentation of all imaging parameters including environmental parameters like temperature or CO2. A high speed acquisition mode with support for simultaneous read-out of two cameras allows optimum use of all features offered by the CSU-X1.

The latest model of the renowned microlense-enhanced spinning disc systems from Yokogawa offers frame rates only limited by camera speed, increased light efficiency, a high speed filter wheel for fast multicolour experiments and a dual camera option for simultaneous detection of two emission channels.

Cell Observer® SD with its full integration of CSU-X1 into AxioVision is the perfect system for fast confocal time lapse imaging of living cells with lowest phototoxicity and highest precision. Cell Observer SD is a complete system from one partner with full service and support from Carl Zeiss.

Carl Zeiss Workshop 4

An analog approach goes digital : New developments in TIRF microscopy

Over the past twenty years, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy has been established as a powerful method to observe and analyze dynamic processes around the cellular membrane. This holds also for in vitro experiments.

The big advantage of the TIRF microscopy over other imaging techniques derives from its principle. The sample itself is not directly illuminated by fluorescence light, but only molecules that are located within an evanescent field can be excited. Because of the preliminaries of the technique, namely high numerical aperture lenses and life cell labels, the use of TIRF microscopy could only be recognized by a broader audience, after other powerful tools like fluorescent proteins and other dyes and markers have been established in the biosciences.

With modern microscopes and digital imaging it is know possible for the first time to even combine TIRF microscopy with other applications, e.g. electro physiological approaches or other image forming methods like atomic force microscopy, or even with laser manipulation techniques.

The combination of imaging data with data from force measurements or electrophysiology will lead to new insights in cell biology and biophysics in the near future.

In this talk several options and approaches to the use of TIRF microscopy and possible combinations with other techniques will be discussed.

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OMERO Workshop

Chris Allan

The OMERO Workshop will be a general introduction to the OMERO Platform,
focusing on the client tools OMERO.importer, OMERO.insight,
OMERO.editor, OMERO.ij and Bio-Formats.

We will describe the type of client-server application OMERO is and
provide an introduction to OMERO.importer. We encourage people to bring
some of their own original microscopy data files (e.g. LSM, Leica,
DeltaVision, Zeiss, ...) on a USB key, hard disk or DVD. We will also
have sample data available. OMERO.insight will then be introduced and
participants will be shown how to manage, annotate, visualise and
analyse their images. The metadata captured during the import process
will be shown and additional experimental metadata will be explored
using OMERO.editor. Integration with ImageJ will be briefly shown using
the Bio-Formats and OMERO.ij plugins.
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imageJ

Daniel James

WhiteFiji is an image processing package based on ImageJ.For users, Fiji is easy to install and update, bundles a set of plugins in a coherent menu structure (and updatable), along with comprehensive documentation.
For developers, Fiji as an open source project is hosted on a git source version control repository, with access to the source code of all internals, libraries and plugins, and eases the development and scripting of plugins.

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Speed 4D imaging and FRAP with the UltraVIEW VoX the world’s first fully end-to-end 64-bit spinning disk confocal system

Marie Schruff – PerkinElmer Cellular Imaging and Analysis – Coventry UK

Our workshops will introduce the UltraVIEW® VoX the ultimate choice for advanced live cell 4D confocal imaging. UltraVIEW® VoX features new spinning disk technology, the CSU-X1, for maximum optical efficiency, minimal photo bleaching; and photo toxicity; patented ProSync® unit for optimum synchronization of hardware; solid-state lasers and optional Photo Kinesis™ accessory for FRAP and related techniques. The system is controlled by 64-bit Volocity providing 4D image acquisition and analysis.

Volocity software features an entire suite of tools to acquire, view, analyze and publish 3D and 4D data. Four integrated products for 3D image acquisition, volume visualization, restoration, publication, and object measurement, charting and tracking.

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Invitrogen www.invitrogen.com/probes

New technologies for labelling and detection from Invitrogen’s Molecular Probes.

The biological complexity of the cell drives the need for enabling technologies that go beyond molecular biology to bring research into a cellular context. Since 1975, Invitrogen’s Molecular Probes has led the development of fluorescence-based detection products and solutions for biomedical and other scientific research worldwide.

Invitrogen’s Molecular Probes will be introducing new technologies for labelling and detection in imaging and microscopy which allow the scientists to simplify the study of complex cellular mechanisms.

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Andor

“Latest Advances in Confocal Dual Spinning Disk Live Cell Imaging Technology.

Highlights include Andor’s laser engine and laser options, high speed FRAP and PhotoActivation module, with an overview of EMCCD technology and introduction to Andor’s new Interline CCD camera, the Clara.”

Andor will be running 1hr workshops throughout the ELMI meeting to talk about and demonstrate the latest advances in confocal dual spinning disk live cell imaging technology. This includes Andors laser engine and laser options, our high speed FRAP and PhotoActivation module, an overview of EMCCD technology and an introduction to the features and benefits of our latest camera, the Andor Clara.

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Beatson Institute for Cancer Research
Dr Kurt I. Anderson

Imaging the Career Structure of a Light Microscopist

Light Microscopy Facilities are increasingly necessary resources which enable non-specialists to incorporate advanced imaging methods into their research. Advanced imaging can often help to raise the impact level of a publication, which is critical to the career of researchers evaluated on the basis of their published research.

It is less clear how the staff running a microscopy facility are evaluated. This workshop will discuss the career structure of scientists working in imaging facilities. A few case studies will be presented from imaging facility leaders, who will briefly describe their jobs and how they are evaluated. Following this there will be a panel discussion with the audience.

The goal is raise awareness of how imaging facility staff are incorporated into their host institutions, and stimulate discussion of the relevant criteria for our job evaluation and career progression.

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