How Are Microscopes Used to Improve Life?

Microscopes in Scientific Research

Microscopy is very important in scientific research particularly biological research. Even though there are now various forms of advanced microscopes such as electron microscopes, confocal microscopes and microarrays (used by cytogeneticists to study chromosomes and genes), biological laboratories still have the old-fashioned microscopes used to view organisms, cells, tissues and other pieces of life invisible to the normal human eye on slides. Without the microscope, biological research is virtually impossible. All advances in medicine start with basic scientists (biologists, microbiologists, biochemists) in labs the world over where microscopes play a prominent and important role.

Microscopes in Medical Diagnosis

Every major hospital has a medical diagnostic section and laboratory where blood, urine and tissue samples get sent for further testing and analysis. The scientists and technicians who work in these labs along with their physician colleagues reach verdicts on various ailments, churning out diagnostic reports each day. Microscopes play a major role in this process. Peering down the lens of a microscope, or some kind of microscopic imaging to enlarge and make visible for the naked eye, is an integral part of the diagnostic process.

References

• Microscopy

Resources

• Cytogenetics and Microscopy
• A Brief History of the Microscope and Introduction to Microscopy