Quantitative techniques for imaging cells and tissues

摘要: This special issue focuses on two major aspects of cell biology: imaging and quantitation. The history biology has been tightly interwoven with in particular advances microscopy throughout the past centuries (Wolpert, 1995; Evanko et al., 2009; Milestones Light Microscopy, 2009). invention microscopes was instrumental defining theory, ago, boundaries visualization advanced further electron microscopy, decades ago. Applications fluorescent confocal have enabled new ways observation at cellular, sub-cellular even molecular level (still evolving to current time, Waters Wittmann, 2014). Less appreciated is importance quantitative approaches biology. Quantitation adds an important, often essential dimension scientific process/endeavor, as expressed famous quote by Lord Kelvin: “In physical science a first step direction learning any subject find principles numerical reckoning methods for practicably measuring some quality connected it … when you can measure what are speaking about, express numbers, know something about it; but cannot your knowledge meagre unsatisfactory kind; may be beginning knowledge, scarcely, thoughts, stage science” (Thomson, 1889). Cell benefits multiple from inclusion appropriate approaches. well established areas biology, such quantification cells or synapses neuroscience (Haug, 1986; Coggeshall Lekan, 1996; Evans 2004), less so other fields immunocytochemistry, super-resolution nanotechnology. merging considered area need greater attention development (Liberali Pelkmans, 2012; Wall, Shekhar 2014). Technical usually happen qualitative (which structures molecules now identified localized higher resolution?), which followed various delays exploration compare different states (how many particles present? By how much they increased decreased conditions? How readout quantified?) development, testing refinement novel technologies take significant lead proper applications time courses