Microscopy Talks

A podcast channel from Bliq Photonics

Meet the scientists behind life-changing medical discoveries

Life science stories

Welcome to Microscopy Talks

Microscopy Talks delves into the stories of researchers who dedicate their time to advancing medical research around the world. We want to take the time to highlight them and share their successes and challenges as they make their discoveries.

Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation

Dr. Christina Baer

Details

Lab: Sanderson Center for Optical Experimentation (SCOPE) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Researcher: Dr. Christina Baer

Christina Baer is the director of the SCOPE Imaging Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. We discuss about the research conducted at the Center and the history of this important facility as a forerunner in the field of multiphoton imaging.

Products they use

Quebec Heart and Lung Institute

Dr. David Marsolais

Details

Lab: Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University
Researcher: Dr. David Marsolais

Dr. David Marsolais is a professor at Université Laval and a researcher at the Institute of Cardiology and Respirology of Quebec. We discuss his specialization in lung disease and the dynamics of working with other scientists studying cardiometabolic diseases.

Products they use

Applications	Features	Benefits
Fixed cell imaging	- Multi-channel acquisition	SPARQ can be used with any fluorophore
Live cell imaging	- Low laser intensity (comparable to standard widefield illumination)	Reduces photobleaching and phototoxity, allowing for long imaging sessions
	- Fast 2D and 3D imaging	With a frame rate of up to 10 FPS, catch your dynamic proccesses using SPARQ
	- Multi-dimensional acquisition: Time lapse, z-stacks, multi-channels	Set your usual multi-dimensional experiments and turn on SPARQ for optically sectioned images
	- Combinaison with transmitted light constrat methods	Combine your SPARQ images with any contrast modes, without even changing objectives
Tissue slice imaging	- High penetration depth	Since the speckles remain sharp in depth, get the same optical sectioning capabilities as you go deeper
	- Modification of optical thickness	Adjust SPARQ's thickness factor parameter to change the axial resolution without affecting the lateral resolution
	- 3D imaging and reconstruction	Create high quality 3D images by rejecting out-of-focus fluorescence
Whole mount and cleared tissue imaging	- Large area stitching	Keep the same imaging speed regardless of the field of view. SPARQ works with any camera
	- Use different objective magnifications	Simply change objectives without the need to re-calibrate or to modify the SPARQ parameter
	- Works with any kind of objectives	Use high N.A, LWD or phase contrast objectives. It will not affect the SPARQ images
	- Keep high axial and lateral resolution	Improve the optical sectioning without sacrificing the lateral resolution as with standard confocal microscopy
In vivo imaging (on 2P)	- Can be used in combinaison with photo-stimulation	Use the same visible lasers to photo-stimulate and do SPARQ imaging (different light paths)
	- Offers optical sectioning with visible lasers on a 2P optimized system	Increase the flexibilty of your 2P system by adding SPARQ and get visible light confocality
	- Can be used in vivo for positioning and other fluorescence uses	A one push button allows you to easily switch between SPARQ and other imaging modes