Fluorescence microscopy images can be easily integrated into current video and computer image processing systems. People like visual observation; they like to watch a television or computer screen, and fluorescence techniques are thus becoming more and more popular. Since true in vivo experiments are simple to perform, samples can be directly seen and there is always the possibility of manipulating the samples during the experiments; it is an ideal technique for biology and medicine. Images are obtained by a classical (now called wide-field) fluorescence microscope, a confocal scanning microscope, upright or inverted, with epifluorescence or transmission. Computerized image processing may improve definition, and remove glare and scattered light signal. It also makes it possible to compute ratio images (ratio imaging both in excitation and in emission) or lifetime imaging. Image analysis programs may supply a great deal of additional data of various types, starting with calculations of the number of fluorescent objects, their shapes, brightness, etc. Fluorescence microscopy data may be complemented by classical measurement in the cuvette yr by flow cytometry.

The April 1997 conference held in Prague attracted the cream of primarily European and Russian researchers (with a handful from the US, primarily from the U. of Maryland School of Medicine) to the burgeoning biological and medical applications of innovative optical technology, particularly laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. Six invited review lectures illuminate these recent developments and their role in cell biology, including computer simulations of molecular behavior. The 34 other papers focus on the major themes of: new developments in fluorescence instrumentation; fluorescent probes; nucleic acid labels; and other fluorescent labels, markers, and fluorogenic substrates. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The use of fluorescent and luminescent probes to measure biological function has increased dramatically since publication of the First Edition due to their improved speed, safety, and power of analytical approach. This eagerly awaited Second Edition, also edited by Bill Mason, contains 19 new chapters and over two thirds new material, and is a must for all life scientists using optical probes.The contents include discussion of new optical methodologies for detection of proteins, DNA and other molecules, as well as probes for ions, receptors, cellular components, and gene expression. Emerging and advanced technologies for probe detection such as confocal laser scanning microscopy are also covered. This book will be essential for those embarking on work in the field or using new methods to enhance their research.TOPICS COVERED:* Single and multiphoton confocal microscopy* Applications of green fluorescent protein and chemiluminescent reporters to gene expression studies* Applications of new optical probes for imaging proteins in gels * Probes and detection technologies for imaging membrane potential in live cells* Use of optical probes to detect microorganisms* Raman and confocal raman microspectroscopy* Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy* Digital CCD cameras and their application in biological microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy is used for studying the distribution of substances which are present in very small amounts, for example in living cells. This magnificent new work provides comprehensive cover of all aspects of fluorescence microscopy - including instrumentation, applications, and the history of the technique. The first volume deals with instrumentation and techniques for fluorescence microscopy, and includes a chapter on quantification and scanning. The second volume deals with the applications of fluorescence microscopy in many fields. It includes information on autofluorescence, and an invaluable appendix provides an alphabetical list of fluorochromes, giving information concerning chemical structure, fluorescence properties, applications and suitable filter combinations.

Fluorescence Microscopy is a precise and widely employed technique in many research and clinical areas nowadays. Fluorescence Microscopy In Life Sciences introduces readers to both the fundamentals and the applications of fluorescence microscopy in the biomedical field as well as biological research. Readers will learn about physical and chemical mechanisms giving rise to the phenomenon of luminescence and fluorescence in a comprehensive way. Also, the different processes that modulate fluorescence efficiency and fluorescence features are explored and explained.