Episode 1: X-Ray Microscopy as a Tool for Inspiring Others

X-ray microscopy (XRM) is revolutionizing life science research with its ability to generate high-resolution 3D information without slicing samples. The XRM lecture series offers a comprehensive exploration of XRM and their applications across various scientific domains in life sciences. This powerful technique is opening doors to new insights in diverse samples, including organs, animals & plants, and whole organisms.​

The series covers diverse biological applications, including:​

• Development of Staining Protocols for Large Biological Samples: The development of staining protocols specifically tailored for large biological samples, with a particular focus on the brain, is essential for the study of neuronal networks using X-ray microscopy (XRM).​
• Investigation of Embryonic Development and Abnormalities in Mice and Drosophila: A thorough investigation into the embryonic development and potential abnormalities in mice is conducted to advance our understanding of developmental biology.​
• Integration of XRM in Correlative Workflows: The integration of X-ray microscopy (XRM) into correlative workflows is employed to study a diverse array of biological samples, including the neuronal network in the brain and the mechanical behavior of ant mandibles. XRM is synergistically combined with other imaging modalities to provide a comprehensive view of complex samples.​
• Investigation of Mechanical Behavior and Biomaterial Characterization: Research into the mechanical behavior of both healthy and diseased hard and soft tissues is undertaken, alongside the characterization of mechanical and morphological properties of various biomaterials intended for tissue regeneration.​
• 3D Visualization of Root-Soil-Microbe Interactions: Three-dimensional visualization of root-soil-microbe interactions in situ is vital for gaining insights into plant structure and function.​
• High-Throughput XRM for Extensive Sample Analysis: High-throughput X-ray microscopy (XRM) is utilized to rapidly analyze large volumes of data, making it particularly suitable for studies that necessitate extensive sample coverage.​

This lecture series is based on an event held at the Natural History Museum in London in 2023 where the x-ray microscopy community shared research findings, ideas, experiences, and expertise.​​

Watch this lecture series and get insights into a wide range of experiments that can be addressed with X-ray microscopy.​

This talk discusses ways to introduce new investigators to X-ray microscopy and explore the features that make it a useful tool across multiple biological disciplines. Particularly, I will showcase how X-ray microscopy can be incorporated into an ‘imaging pipeline’ with light and electron microscopy to leverage the advantages of each technique in order to gain a deeper understanding of biological mechanisms across spatial scales. This collaborative approach among imaging modalities can provide a fresh perspective to decades-old questions and open up entirely new research directions, making X-ray imaging a critical component of biological investigations in the coming decades.

This presentation was recorded during the BioXRM symposium at the Museum of Natural History in London, October 2023.

Key Learnings:

• X-ray microscopy is a powerful way of imaging drosophila fruit flies without the need for dissection. 
• High levels of detail can be gained from the X-ray reconstructions and subsequent segmentation and quantification of internal organs is providing new insights into this valuable model organism. 
• Comparison of genetic models is one example of how the 3D images can be used to provide new information.