User-Developer

Quantitative Imaging Demand

Organizer:

Evident

UD Speaker:

Dr. Bjoern Sieberer

Senior Application Specialist

Abstract:

Quantitative fluorescence microscopy has become a powerful tool in biological research. Intensity values of pixels in a digital image are measured for revealing ground truths on spatial and temporal distribution of fluorescent signals in biologic samples. Whereas simply comparing the brightness of two different samples seems strait forward, validating an experiment procedure for quantitative fluorescence microscopy can be a tedious process. Microscope conditions, image acquisition settings, data analysis tools, and sample preparation have to be taken carefully into account for obtaining a reproducible experiment protocol.

During the user-developer session of the SPAOM2024, we would like to discuss with scientists their experience with quantitative fluorescence microscopy, pitfalls and challenges, increasing standards in the peer review process, and in turn the scientists demands towards industry.

User-Developer

Smart Microscopy, a look into the future microscopy

Organizer:

Zeiss

UD Speaker:

Soren Prag

Product and Sales Application Specialist for Automation, EMEA/LA, ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions.

Abstract:

Smart microscopy is an emerging field in imaging, which combines automated workflows with real-time image analysis. This allows microscopes to continuously monitor samples and adjust their imaging parameters without human intervention, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of data collection. This is also known as Feedback Microscopy, Intelligent Microscopy, or Rare Event Detection.

Where traditional microscopy often requires manual adjustments and extensive involvement by an operator, which leads to time-consuming processes and limited reproducibility, smart microscopy automates these tasks, enabling researchers to capture larger datasets more efficiently, or screen large area to capture rare phenotypes or specific biological events fully automatically and unbiased.

In this roundtable we will discuss how different users are integrating smart microscopy in their work whether within a research group or within a facility. We will discuss dos and don’ts and how to approach this emerging field. The discussion will be attended by product managers, application specialists and software architects from ZEISS.

User-Developer

Label free imaging: Imaging without disturbing your samples

Organizer:

Izasa

UD Speaker:

Zuzana Nováková

Application Scientist en Telight

Abstract:

This 45-minute roundtable discussion will explore the current challenges, opportunities, and future potential of label-free imaging techniques, incorporating perspectives from both experts and non-experts. Key topics will include technological and conceptual barriers to broader adoption, practical considerations such as cost and accessibility, and the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing label-free techniques like Q-Phase. The session will also address societal implications of advanced imaging technologies, encouraging participants to explore how these innovations could reshape biological research and other industries. Additionally, the discussion will highlight the importance of education and training in making these techniques more accessible to a wider audience. By fostering dialogue between experienced users and newcomers, the roundtable aims to uncover new applications and possibilities for label-free technologies.

A special focus will be placed on Q-Phase technology, a cutting-edge method that offers significant advantages in capturing high-precision, quantitative data without the need for labelling. By avoiding the interference often caused by traditional staining methods, Q-Phase enables researchers to study live samples in their native state, preserving biological integrity and improving the accuracy of observations.

1.- From your perspective, what is the biggest technological or conceptual barrier to adopting label-free imaging techniques in your field or industry?

2.- How do you think these techniques could impact or change the way we understand biological processes or research in the next five years?

3.- How accessible do you think label-free techniques are compared to those requiring labeling, especially in terms of cost and availability?

4.- For those unfamiliar, could you explain in simple terms how label-free techniques work and why they might be an advantage in certain contexts?

5.- How do you think artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance or complement label-free techniques?

6.- If you could improve any aspect of current label-free techniques, what would you change or enhance to make them more efficient or easier to use?

7.- For those who have used these techniques, what practical advice would you give to those considering starting to use them?

8.- What role do you think training or education should play in making label-free techniques more understandable and accessible to a broader audience?

9.- What new applications or sectors do you think could benefit from the use of label-free techniques in the future?

10.- What societal challenges do you think could arise with the use of advanced label-free imaging techniques in biomedicine or research?

User-Developer

Mayor obstacles in cleared sample imaging – and ideas how to address them

Organizer:

Telstar

UD Speaker:

Juergen Mayer

Product Manager for the Large Cleared Sample Light Sheet

Abstract:

Imaging large biological samples with optical imaging techniques is a challenging task. In general, biological samples are not transparent by default. However, to obtain volumetric data with fluorescence microscopy techniques such as lightsheet microscopy, optical transparency is a prerequisite.

There are numerous different techniques to optically clear biological samples, but it is not always easy to find the most appropriate protocol, nor the best suited mounting technique. Between compensating optical abberations, handling of huge datasets, and downstream analysis, this relatively new field is a challenging task for any microscopy facility.

In this user-developer session, we would like to discuss how to streamline and approach the diverse needs cleared samples come with and find ways to get the best possible results considering time, effort, money, and hardware, but also software solutions such as AI assisted imaging.

In a broader context, we would like to brainstorm about the future of fluorescence imaging and the potential obstacles that have to be solved.

Some questions for you to think about:

What is the bottleneck in the workflow of cleared sample imaging (considering everything from sample preparation, mounting, imaging, data handling and analysis)?
How to find the best suited protocol to clear my specific sample? Decision tree, similar successfully cleared tissues, etc.
How to get high throughput and straightforward sample positioning?
How to increase imaging depth without losing resolution? Adaptive optics, multi-angle, ….
How to organize efficient data handling
How can AI help to find the best combination of all the parameters ? Considering the optimal choice: from clearing technique, over imaging settings to data handling and analysis
The future of fluorescence imaging in general – where do we go to?

User-Developer

Confocal Lifetime/FLIM

Organizer:

Leica

UD Speakers:

Heike Glauner

Advanced Workflow Specialist

John Pearson

Advanced Workflow Specialist

Juan Monteagudo

Product Sales specialist

David Martín

Account Manager

Abstract:

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful experimental approach with a wide range of experimental applications. With its STELLARIS platform, Leica offers fully integrated and easy-to-use fluorescence lifetime solutions, with TauSense for routine applications based on average photon arrival values, and FALCON for advanced FLIM applications. The aim of this developer meeting is to understand how users are implementing these methodologies, what best practices can be shared, and what factors might still be limiting their use in the research community.

For which applications do you think FLIM is most useful?
What is the level of understanding of fluorescence lifetime and FLIM among confocal microscopy users?
What factors are currently limiting the use of fluorescence lifetime for your users?
For which other applications could fluorescence lifetime be useful for but is not being widely used?
Do you think that fluorescence lifetime can become a routine technique within the field of confocal microscopy?
What could Leica, and the rest of industry, do to improve daily use of fluorescence lifetime and FLIM?
We may select only some of the answers depending on the time and length of the discussion.