We live in a three-dimensional world. However, observing our world using conventional microscopy techniques can be challenging since most biological models beyond a few hundred microns in thickness become optically opaque due to destructive light scattering.

To overcome this limitation in the past, researchers needed to laboriously section and digitally reconstruct these samples. Optical clearing has become a necessary tool for 3D imaging since these techniques homogenize the scattering of light within tissue samples, enabling us to create more accurate 3D tissue models.

But with many different strategies for imaging optically cleared samples—from confocal, multi-photon, to light sheet microscopy—it can be difficult to determine which imaging solution is the best match for your needs.

In the first part of our webinar series, we will discuss optical clearing of biological samples and its benefits. We will also explore how to image these samples using various microscopy techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of each method to help you determine which system best suits your needs.

Agenda:

• What is optical clearing, and what are the benefits?
• Tips and tricks for sample clearing
• Imaging cleared samples: matching equipment to your imaging needs
• Conclusions

Presenters:

Tim Steppe, PhD Application Specialist (X-Clarity), Logos Biosystems Tim Steppe is an Application Specialist with Logos Biosystems. He has a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in marine sciences and 15 years of industry experience. He has held various roles from technical support to marketing, all with a focus on customer education.

Gulpreet Kaur, PhD Research Imaging Applications Specialist, Scientific Solutions Group, Olympus Dr. Gulpreet Kaur is a national representative for the Olympus Scientific Solutions team specializing in the Alpha3 light sheet system and helps scientists apply cutting-edge imaging technologies in their research projects. She has a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied organelle biology using live-cell spinning disk confocal microscopy. Gulpreet has over six years of experience in fluorescent microscopy and has worked with various technologies, including confocal, spinning disk, super-resolution, and light sheet imaging. She served as a trainer for a microscopy and image analysis core facility at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and consulted with scientists on experiment design and optimization of imaging conditions.