Example of multi-position imaging using the TriM Scope II microscope
This movie (larger version) shows the development of a Drosophila embryo from early embryonic stages through to creation of a larva. A histone-GFP has been used to label every cell nuclei while a cytoplasmic mCherry has been used to label a segmentally repeated neural progenitor cell and all of its progeny. The researchers aim is to identify individual cells as they are born from the progenitor and track them as they differentiate into neurons.
These images are from Dr Holly Ironfield's experiments using CAIC's 2-photon excitation fluorescence microscope. This project, led Dr Matthias Landgraf, is part of the Neural Network Development Group of the Zoology Department.
The imaging was performed on a scanning 2-photon excitation fluorescence microscope. In this experiment 4 embryos were imaged sequentially, each every 2.5 minutes for 15 hours. The localised nature and longer wavelengths of 2-photon excitation result in deeper imaging and relatively low bleaching compared to single photon excitation.