We have all seen beautiful three-dimensional (3D) renderings of molecular models, complete with helices and pleated sheets. And for more than half a century we have also seen electron micrographs of cellular structures, although usually in two dimensions. There has been a gap between these two sets of images. By developing a technique that promises 3D images at resolutions approaching the molecular level, Ohad Medalia, Igor Weber, Achilleas Frangakis, Daniela Nicastro Günther Gerisch, and Wolfgang Baumeister have bridged that gap.

In a previous article [1], stereological methods for measuring volume, surface, length, and number were described. The present article will briefly discuss sampling methods, as well as techniques for optimizing the number of animals per group and the number of measurements per animal when planning a morphometric study.

During forensic Investigations, determining the time frame of a crime can be an extremely important clue for solving the case. The exact time at which a crime was committed can be especially difficult to determine when considerable time has elapsed. To improve the predictive capabilities of crime scene investigators, we have focused on using spectroscopic methods to Investigate the aging of bloodstains.

The contrast range of many digital images needs to be reset before outputting images to various ends. This is especially important when printing to paper because ink absorbs into papers through a capillary action, most in the cheapest papers (such as newspaper) and least in high gloss paper from slick magazines. The capillary phenomenon is known as dot gain In the printing world, since images are redefined as small dots when printing to publications, The result of dot gain is seen most in a loss of details or muddiness in the shadow or the black region of images.

Images produced by an atomic forces microscope (AFM) often contain spurious features and image distortion that can render accurate imaging and metrology suspect. These “artifacts” are caused by the manner in which the image is produced. Artifacts can originate from the probe tip geometry, scanner non-linearity, image processing software, vibration, sample contamination, electronic noise, and poor sample stability. This article describes and illustrates common AFM image artifacts and suggests means to eliminate or minimize them.

Does quality exist in the electron microscope laboratory? What is quality? Quality is when a product or service meets all of the customers' requirements, is delivered in the correct quantity at the required time, to the right place and at a price the customer is prepared to pay.

In an open competitive environment all of the above would apply. In an electron microscope laboratory are we totally satisfied that we have given consideration to our product? We also provide a service, are we happy that the service we provide is of a sufficiently high standard, a standard that we would expect if we were the customers in a hotel or a garage? If we follow the example of world trends in industry, then simple product and service quality, in isolation, fs no longer sufficient, and focus must be given to a total quality approach.

The introduction of the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) greatly Improved the functionality of scanning electron microscope (SEM) technology by allowing objects to be imaged in water-vapor under low vacuum, and without the need for coating to facilitate electrical conductivity. The low vacuum environment allows Imaging of delicate structures, such as needlelike crystals, without fear of damaging the object in the process of viewing it.