The hidden universe of microscopy
What is microscopy?
From the vastness of the cosmos to the tiniest building blocks of life, our world is a fascinating place filled with countless wonders. Microscopy (the use of a microscope) is a powerful tool that allows us to peer into the smallest of those wonders and unravel the mysteries of the microcosmos. Read on to learn a bit about the fascinating world of microscopy, including its history, what microscopes are used for, and the incredible insights it provides into the hidden universe.
Crystallised rum under the microscope
How did the microscope start?
It’s not completely clear who invented the first microscope, however, credit is often given to Dutch father-and-son spectacle makers Hans and Zacharias Janssen who, during the late 16th century, made one of the earliest compound microscopes (a microscope with two lenses) with a magnification of around 30x. A few decades after Janssen, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek refined the microscope further by grinding his own lenses to make a simple microscope with one lens that could magnify an object up to 200x. These pioneering developments laid the foundation for the modern microscopes we use today.
How does a microscope work?
Microscopes are equipped with specialised lenses and light systems that magnify and illuminate an object of interest, allowing scientists to explore the smallest details of our world. The lens itself works by bending the light to make the object appear larger. There are several types of microscopes, including optical (light) microscopes, electron microscopes, stereomicroscopes, and scanning probe microscopes. Each type serves specific purposes and offers unique capabilities that contribute to different fields of study. Two of the most popular types are the light microscope and the electron microscope.
Light microscopy: Unveiling the visible world
Optical, or light microscopes, are the most common type of microscope and are often used in laboratories and classrooms. These microscopes use visible light and a series of lenses to magnify samples, providing a 2D image back to the viewer.
In recent years, advancements in optical microscopy have led to breakthroughs such as confocal microscopy, which provides 3D imaging with improved resolution, and fluorescence microscopy, which allows scientists to label specific molecules and track dynamic processes within living cells.
Electron microscopy: Revealing the subatomic realm
When the microscope resolution needs to be pushed beyond the limits of light microscopy, electron microscopes are used. By using beams of electrons instead of light, electron microscopes can achieve significantly higher magnification and resolution, allowing scientists to study the intricate details of subatomic structures.
There are two main types of electron microscopes: scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). SEM provides detailed surface imaging, while TEM offers insight into the internal structure of specimens.
Microscope applications
Microscopy is used in various scientific disciplines, from biology and medicine to materials science and nanotechnology. In medicine, microscopy is indispensable for diagnosing diseases by studying tissue samples and identifying pathogens. In materials science, it helps researchers understand the properties and structures of materials at the atomic level.
Microscopy also plays an important role in environmental science, forensics, and even the conservation of cultural artifacts, all contributing to our understanding of the world around us.
A microscopic world
Microscopy has revolutionised our perception of the universe by allowing us to explore the tiniest intricacies of life and matter. With advancements in microscope technology, we’re able to push the boundaries of what is possible, enabling researchers to uncover new insights into the microscopic world.
The art of microscopy is relevant to everyone, so it’s definitely important to take an interest in the science of microscopy. After all, it wasn’t all that long ago when the world stood still for 2 years because of COVID - a virus that goes beyond the reach of a microscope. With greater awareness, each day we draw closer to seeing the unseen.
As we stand on this cusp of technological breakthroughs, the future of microscopy holds the promise of even greater discoveries, opening new frontiers of knowledge and understanding in realms we have yet to explore. The mysteries of the microcosmos await, and with microscopy as our lens, we are poised to unlock the secrets of the unseen universe.