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Developmental Biology
Courtesy of Tanya Whitfield, Sarah Baxendale, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, UK. Data acquired at the Wolfson Light Microscopy Facility, University of Sheffield.
Solutions for Developmental Biology

Quantify How Structure and Function Take Shape

Microscopy tools for imaging, measuring, and analyzing development

 

 

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  • From whole embryos to single cells, in live or fixed samples

    Capture detailed structural and molecular information across stages of development—from early morphogenesis to late-stage differentiation—in both live and cleared tissue preparations.

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    Volumetric time-lapse for development in motion

    Explore dynamic processes like cell migration, lineage formation, and organogenesis with high-speed, high-resolution 3D imaging. Ideal for live imaging workflows across model organisms and organoids.

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    AI-powered analysis and reproducible results

    Automated segmentation, quantification, and image-based measurements reduce variability and accelerate discovery. Scalable tools support reliable, high-throughput developmental biology research.

Turn the intricacies of development into data From early embryos to complex organoids, ZEISS solutions support live-cell imaging, tissue clearing, and long-term time-lapse acquisition. Capture morphogenesis with lattice light sheet, resolve fine structures with Airyscan and SIM, and image intact samples in 3D using light sheet and X-ray microscopy. With AI-powered analysis and automation, you can quantify structure, track lineages, and study function across scales. These workflows accelerate discovery in stem cell biology, neurodevelopment, regeneration, and more.

When imaging Becomes Insight

Transforming Developmental Biology with Quantifiable Visualization

Decoding the architecture of regeneration

3D imaging of a regenerating axolotl forelimb reveals the re-establishment of complex tissue networks during limb regrowth. By capturing intact structure at cellular resolution, researchers can study spatial patterning, connectivity, and developmental reprogramming in regenerative systems.

Tracing cell fate in real time

High-resolution volumetric imaging reveals changes in cell architecture during mitosis. From cytoskeletal reorganization to spindle dynamics, these structural transitions contribute to the symmetry, polarity, and spatial organization that shape developing tissues.

Embryonic structure and organ development

Visualize whole-embryo anatomy during critical stages of organogenesis. Segment and analyze developing tissues—such as the brain, heart, and spinal cord—to understand structural relationships and growth trajectories with deep learning-enabled volumetric analysis.

Mapping the heart as it takes shape

Real-time volumetric imaging reveals cardiac development as it happens, capturing the emergence of rhythmic beating and coordinated tissue motion. This dynamic view of organogenesis offers insight into morphogenesis, function, and developmental timing in vivo.

Quantifying complexity in organoid development

Multiplexed imaging and analysis reveal spatial relationships between nuclei, membranes, and enterocyte-specific markers in a developing intestinal organoid. Integrated segmentation and 3D visualization enable researchers to measure differentiation, architecture, and cell-type composition in stem cell–derived models of tissue development.

Capturing the mechanics of morphogenesis

Investigate vesicular transport in live mammalian cells with the unique combination of gentle illumination, high speed, and super-resolution.

Recommended Products for Developmental Biology Research

  • Light-Sheet Multiview Imaging of Living and Cleared Specimens

    ZEISS Lightsheet 7

    Use ZEISS Lightsheet 7 to image large optically cleared specimens in toto – with subcellular resolution. Dedicated optics, sample chambers and holders allow adaption to the refractive index of your chosen clearing method.

    Explore the Lightsheet 7

    Product Features

    • Observe real life – fast and sensitively
    • Image large specimens in your preferred clearing solution
    • Get best image quality for various applications

  • Instant Volumetric High-Speed Imaging of Living Organisms

    ZEISS LSM Lightfield 4D

    Acquire comprehensive 3D information with a single snap and say goodbye to any time delay within an imaged volume. For the first time, capture the fastest movements within whole organisms at up to 80 volumes per second – with all spatiotemporal information intact.

    Explore Lightfield 4D

    Product Features

    • Capture spatial signals and fast dynamics without compromise
    • Observe entire organisms over extended periods of time
    • Accelerate the collection of information on large samples with multiple labels

  • Fast Optical Sectioning of Developing Organisms and Tissue Microstructures

    ZEISS Lattice SIM 3

    ZEISS Lattice SIM 3 is specifically designed to meet the imaging requirements of multicellular organisms and tissue sections. 

    Explore the Lattice SIM 3

    Product Features

    • Capture entire model organisms and tissue sections
    • Acquire super-resolution images as fast and gentle as widefield images
    • Go from a large-field overview to the super-resolution details

  • Live Imaging with Unprecedented Resolution down to Molecular Details​

    ZEISS Elyra 7

    ZEISS Elyra 7 includes a wealth of microscopy techniques to meet your experimental needs across scales, optimally matching resolution, speed, and sensitivity requirements to your demanding samples.

    Explore the Elyra 7

    Product features

    • Get optical sectioning at exceptional quality
    • Resolve structures down to 60 nm
    • Observe live cell dynamics at up to 255 fps

  • Sensitive High-Speed Super-Resolution Imaging and Molecular Characterization

    ZEISS LSM Airyscan

    ZEISS LSM systems with Airyscan enable experiments that push the boundaries of gentle super-resolution, high-speed acquisition, and molecular characterization of biological samples. 

    Explore the LSM Airyscan

    Product features

    • Enhanced structural information effortlessly added to your experiment
    • Simultaneous improvement of spatial and temporal resolution
    • Easy access to underlying molecular dynamics in living samples

  • Long-Term Volumetric Imaging of Living Cells

    ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet 7

    ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet 7 makes light sheet fluorescence microscopy available for live cell imaging at subcellular resolution – while also allowing you to use your standard sample carriers.

    Explore the Lattice Lightsheet 7

    Product Features

    • Examine living specimens directly on your standard sample carriers
    • Watch the subcellular dynamics of life over hours and even days
    • Reveal three-dimensional details in their true proportions

ZEISS Lab Essentials

  • Your Greenough Stereo Microscope with 8:1 Zoom

    ZEISS Stemi 508
    Buy or Try the Stemi 508

    With the 8:1 zoom you bring up smallest details. Stemi 508 offers an ergonomic viewing angle of 35° - stay relaxed even after hours of work.

    Trial, get a Quote or Purchase here

  • Examine and Assess your Living Cells Quickly and Easily

    ZEISS Primovert
    Buy or Try the Primovert

    Examine unstained cells in phase contrast and GFP-labeled cells in fluorescence contrast quickly and efficiently.

    Trial, get a Quote or Purchase here

  • Your Smart Microscope for Biomedical Routine and Research

    ZEISS Axioscope 5
    Buy or Try the Axioscope 5

    Acquire four fluorescence channels with just one click. Camera settings such as white balanced are done automatically.

    Trial, get a Quote or Purchase here
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Enhance your cellular development research with ZEISS solutions.

Configure ZEISS arivis Pro

FAQs for ZEISS Developmental Biology Applications

  • ZEISS light sheet systems allow gentle, volumetric imaging of live or cleared embryos—ideal for capturing early development in model organisms like zebrafish, Drosophila, and mouse. For fixed, optically dense, or later-stage samples, ZEISS X-ray microscopy offers non-destructive 3D imaging with micrometer-scale resolution—perfect for staging, phenotyping, and structural analysis of embryonic organ systems.

  • For stem cell–derived organoids or cultured cells, the ZEISS Celldiscoverer 7 offers integrated environmental control and high-resolution confocal imaging in multi-well formats—ideal for tracking growth, differentiation, and morphology over days. For dynamic imaging of developing embryos or delicate 3D cultures, the ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet 7 provides ultra-fast, low-phototoxicity volumetric imaging—perfect for capturing rapid events like mitosis, migration, or morphogenesis in real time.

  • ZEISS offers super-resolution imaging tools designed for developmental biology. Airyscan enhances sensitivity and resolution while remaining gentle enough for live imaging of dynamic processes like spindle formation or junction remodeling. For even finer structural detail, Lattice SIM enables precise visualization of cytoskeletal and polarity structures—ideal for fixed or live samples where spatial organization is critical to understanding developmental mechanisms.

  • Yes. ZEISS imaging systems support fast, volumetric acquisition for tracking cell lineage and migration in whole embryos, organoids, and cultured systems. Tools like Lattice Lightsheet and Lightfield 4D enable real-time 4D imaging with minimal photodamage, ideal for capturing dynamic behaviors over hours or days. Paired with analysis platforms like arivis Pro, you can trace trajectories, segment cells, and quantify fate decisions across space and time.

  • Regenerative models like axolotl, zebrafish, and mouse require deep imaging of complex, often thick tissues. ZEISS light sheet systems are optimized for gentle, volumetric imaging of large samples, including cleared or live regenerating tissue. Their low phototoxicity and deep penetration enable repeated imaging over time, ideal for studying tissue re-patterning, stem cell activation, and structural regrowth—without compromising sample viability or resolution.

     
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