(Living) Cells Made Visible

摘要

Microscopes are among the oldest scientific instruments used to visualize the structures of life. Without them, modern bio-sciences would be unimaginable. However, one of the major problems in microscopy is the poor contrast of biological specimens. Structures can only be visualized if contrast is available or if contrast-enhancing agents, such as selective dyes, are available. The so-called brightfield of simple light microscopes only permits optimum observation of dyed specimens. In the past, scientists therefore had to prepare and dye their specimens accordingly. Transparent as living cells are, they could not be adequately observed, documented and analyzed in the early days of microscopy. Only with the help of additional optical components could cell structures be examined in more detail under a light microscope: living cells became visible.