Fine details of morphological changes in biological structures, which approach the resolution limits of a microscope or detection device, are often difficult to determine. These difficulties are compounded if imaging of living specimens is required. In this work we use a variety of software approaches to enhance individual images removed from a video of thrombocyte (platelet) activation on a glass coverslip. Through software approaches, fine details and focal depth were significantly improved in images of pseudopodia from activated thrombocytes.

Individual plant stomata were studied within a sealed environmental chamber that encloses a volume of space around a microscope objective. A leaf that is attached to a plant is secured to a temperature-controlled microscope stage, and the top surface of the leaf is illuminated via the microscope's light source while stomata on the underside of the leaf are observed through a microscope objective. Stomatal responses are observed on a leaf exposed to environmental conditions including various illuminations and changes in ambient CO2 level, at a given temperature.

Positively charged (cationic) polymers are one of the most important types of polymers used in haircare products. Because of their high degree of substantivity to hair, they are useful in shampoos and conditioners. Numerous studies have shown that cationic conditioning compounds protect against hair damage caused by cosmetic chemical treatments and grooming practices. When hair care products are being developed, it is crucial that formulators determine the depositional characteristics of the polymer from a functional as well as a cost perspective. Microfluorometry can be used to quantitatively determine the amount of a polymer deposited on the surface of hair fibers and to determine the extent the polymer penetrates into the hair fibers. The data output is the fluorescent intensity obtained from scanning along a predefined length of hair fiber.

This article describes target material options for sputter coaters that deposit a thin metal coating on non-conductive SEM samples. Coating a sample with a conductive metal renders an insulating sample conductive enough to minimize charging effects on the SEM image. In most cases, coating SEM samples with only a few nanometers of a metal results in crisp, clear images. Proper target material selection is dictated by overall imaging requirements, the SEM available, the specimen material being evaluated, and whether X-ray microanalysis will be required.

A new program has been established by the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) to provide funding for bold, new, strategic initiatives that further the goals of the Microscopy Society of America and the fields of microscopy, microanalysis, and imaging in general. Three bold, new initiatives won initial funding for 2019: a proposal to fund an international micrograph competition, an initiative to set up an MSA Student Council web presence to host web events targeted to microscopy students and developing professionals, and a plan to provide a uniform template and hosting service for MSA Local Affiliated Societies.