BIOMEDICAL OPTICS NEWS & ANALYSIS

Laser microdissection (LM, a.k.a laser capture microdissection, LCM) is a powerful biomedical research tool, allowing for the procurement of specific cell populations from tissue samples. Depending on the tissue sample preparation, biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins can be extracted from the microdissected cells and then analyzed for molecular profiling studies.

LM was invented at the National Institutes of Health in 1996 by a multidisciplinary team that included pathologists, molecular researchers, engineers and physicists. Since then, the bio research market has witnessed variations in system design including types and uses of lasers, systems for sample collection, and digital image analysis that allows for a semi-automatic cell targeting and microdissection.

In this live, interactive webcast presentation, Jeffrey Hanson, a biomedical engineer, and Jaime Rodriguez, pathologist -- both at the Laser Microdissection Core at NIH -- will present general aspects on the design of laser microdissection systems and some examples of how this technology is helping to advance biomedical research. In particular, they will demonstrate its application to cancer research and tumor microenvironment.
New Directions in Laser Microdissection: Systems and Applications

In this dynamic, interactive presentation, Professor John Girkin of the University of Durham (UK) will discuss and compare the powerful nonlinear optical microscopy methods making their way into life science laboratories around the world, including multiphoton microscopy, second and third harmonic imaging, and CARS microscopy. He will describe practical applications wherein these methods have enabled biological research that was not previously possible.

He will also reveal the techniques' current limits and some of the work being done to overcome these challenges?in particular, ways of imaging more deeply with minimal disruption to the sample. Topics here will include adaptive optics methods, micro-mirror scanning, and miniature optics. The webcast will end with an exploration of where the core technology might go next in its application to real-life science challenges. Dr. Girkin will engage with attendees, answering questions throughout the webcast.
Success with Advanced Microscopy

As biomedical researchers and clinicians continue to look for better ways to analyze complex processes, spectroscopy becomes an increasingly useful tool -- and this webcast will demonstrate why. Spectroscopy underpins many of the most promising approaches to early cancer diagnosis, drug development, and other critical life sciences applications -- as well as noninvasive alternatives to traditional methods of detecting various medical conditions. The discussion will explore key spectroscopic methods (including Raman, near infrared, and more) and technologies involved in detecting cellular and sub-cellular changes that indicate disease and guide treatment.
Key Secrets of Biospectroscopy