infocus Magazine - Issue 79, September 2025

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

mmc2025 incorporating EMAG 2025: Report and Picture Special Sustainability in microscopy:Transforming research practices Microscopical Marine Marvels Introducing the RMS Flow Cytometry Section Microscopic meteorites:Art, science and stories from space

Plus...News, Calendar, Reviews, Reports 1

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

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contents features 4

mmc2025 incorporating EMAG 2025: Report and Picture Special

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Sustainability in microscopy:Transforming research practices Morag Rose Hunter

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Microscopical Marine Marvels John Hutchison, Hon FRMS

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Introducing the RMS Flow Cytometry Section The RMS Flow Cytometry Section

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Microscopic meteorites:Art, science and stories from space Lorelei Robertson

regulars 40 Calendar 48 Journal of Microscopy 68 New Member Welcome 82 Office News 96 Company News 102 New Products

reports and other features 28

The 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition

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Cytometry in Oceanography and Aquaculture: A Sea of Possibilities

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Science starts small: Promoting Nanotechnology in Young Minds

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Virtual ‘town hall’ meeting on core facilities attracts huge global audience

112 European Geoscience Union Annual Meeting 2025 114 CYTO 2025: 38th Annual congress of the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry

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MAGAZ I N E

infocus is the Magazine of the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) – the only truly international microscopical society. The RMS is dedicated to advancing science, developing careers and supporting wider understanding of science and microscopy. infocus Magazine 37/38 St Clements Oxford, OX4 1AJ, UK Tel. +44 (0)1865 254760 Email: infocus@rms.org.uk Website: www.infocus.org.uk Scientific Editor Leandro Lemgruber, University of Glasgow, UK Editor Owen Morton Tel. + (0)1865 254763, Email: editor@infocus.org.uk Editorial Board Myfanwy Adams, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK Maadhav Kothari, Zeiss Microscopy, UK Hilary Sandig, Cancer Research, UK Trevor Almeida, University of Glasgow, UK Mark Rigby, Nikon UK Advertising Email: advertising@infocus.org.uk ISSN: 1750-4740 © 2025 Royal Microscopical Society infocus is published four times per year by the RMS. Designed and produced

by Creative Design. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from the RMS is forbidden. Views expressed in the Magazine are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the RMS.

RoyalMicroscopicalSociety @RoyalMicroSoc @RoyalMicroSoc

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC EDITOR Dear Readers, I hope those of you in the northern hemisphere have enjoyed (or are still enjoying) the hot and sunny days of summer; for those in the south, I hope the winter was fine, and that you’re looking forward to spring.

But no matter where you are – at the beach or by a fireplace - it is time for our latest issue of infocus!

The highlight of the last few months, from an RMS perspective, was undoubtedly mmc2025 during the first week of July. One of the biggest microscopy events of its kind was back at Manchester Central, bringing together the global microscopy, imaging and flow cytometry communities. It is always great to see old friends, meet new people and chat with our corporate partners in the exhibition. In this issue, we have a special report, with a picture special capturing some of the best moments. Perhaps you can spot yourself in one of the images? – if so, let us know on social media! - using #RMSinfocus We have some other amazing articles in this issue – including the ever-reliable John Hutchison’s latest piece on a recently donated antique slide collection - this time looking at some remarkable marine creatures.

We also find out more about the RMS’s Flow Cytometry Committee – including what they get up to when they’re outside the lab.

One of the most important challenges across the sciences is how to engage effectively with wider society through outreach and education.To this end, Lorelei Robertson writes about her involvement in a meteorite-themed art exhibition bringing microscopy to the public. And speaking of the future, how about sustainability in microscopy? Morag Rose Hunter addresses this increasingly important topic and how we can improve our practices.

I would like to finish by paying tribute to a colleague and friend of mine, Laurence Tetley, who recently passed away. Laurence was a long-time member and stalwart of the Scottish Microscopy Society and a distinguished microscopist here in Glasgow, where he was especially renowned for his expertise in electron microscopy. We are grateful to Richard Burchmore for providing a moving tribute to our colleague and friend in this issue.

Slàinte!

Leandro Lemgruber

COVER IMAGE: Donut worry, be happy!

By Zeeshan Mughal,The Open University. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) particles.The LMFP is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries and the donut shapes are formed due to the variation in temperature during the drying process. Shortlisted entry in the RMS Scientific Imaging Competition 2025, Electron Microscopy, Physical Sciences category.

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mmc2025 incorporating EMAG 2025: Report and Picture Special

The Royal Microscopical Society would like to thank everyone who attended the Microscience Microscopy Congress (mmc) 2025, incorporating EMAG 2025

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

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he event was a huge success, with more than 1,100 attendees and almost 100 exhibitors descending on Manchester Central during the first week of July for the latest instalment of a Congress series which has become an essential calendar fixture for the international microscopy community.

RMS Chief Executive Sali Davis said: “We would like to give our sincere thanks to everyone who attended mmc this year – the exhibitors, delegates, volunteers and everyone else who helped make the Congress such a special occasion.We’ve had some really positive feedback from attendees and we’re already looking ahead to mmc2027, which we hope will be even bigger and better!”

Over three days, this international event combined a heady mix of vibrant conference sessions (36 in total – including EMAG 2025 sessions) covering all the latest techniques and applications in microscopy – with a world-class exhibition showcasing the very latest products and technology from some of the leading companies in the field.

The event incorporated pre-conference meetings and workshops – including an Early Career Symposium and the BioImaging UK meeting – as well as free-to-attend company workshops throughout the exhibition. More than 200 poster presenters discussed their research during bustling poster sessions. The RMS also hosted its everpopular Learning Zone, offering expert advice for visitors, as well as a programme of well-attended talks in a dedicated lecture theatre.

Meanwhile, a gallery of shortlisted images in the 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition provided an aesthetic focal point throughout the event, with the winners announced during a special prize-giving ceremony.

We hope you enjoy our round-up of some of the best images and highlights from mmc2025…

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RMS Early Career AwardWinner Announced During Early Career Symposium

Niamh was one of three short-listed entrants who

mmc2025 got off to a flying start with our pre-

The Early CareerAward recognises the achievements

Congress workshops and meetings on Monday, 30

of an outstanding early career imaging scientist in

June. These included the Early Career Symposium,

their contribution to microscopy, image analysis

which featured the climax of the 2025 Early Career

or cytometry. This contribution may be through

Award Competition.

an impressive research application, development

Congratulations to Niamh Burke of University College Dublin, on winning this year’s competition with her talk on the enderscope community project, co-developing accessible imaging tools with the public.

gave talks on their work at the Symposium, emerging as the winner after some difficult deliberations by the judges.

of techniques or analysis tools, an inspiring public engagement initiative, or a demonstration of exceptional support to other members of the community.

It is awarded annually by the RMS Early Career Committee.

Niamh Burke (right) receiving the Early Career Award certificate from RMS Early Career Committee Chair, Katherine Paine.

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Thanks to all our amazing Exhibitors

Almost 100 exhibitors filled the mmc2025 exhibition hall, showcasing the very latest technology and applications in microscopy and imaging over three action-packed days.

We would once again like to say a huge thank you to all our fantastic sponsors for making the mmc2025 exhibition one of the biggest, best and most memorable ever.

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3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

CN Tech

DRTEM / Single Particle

AdvaScope s.r.o.

Confocal NL

ELLIOT SCIENTIFIC LTD

Agar Scientific, a Calibre

ConnectomX

EM Resolutions

Scientific Company

CoolLED Ltd

EM Systems Support Ltd

Agilent Technologies

CooperSurgical Fertility and

EMSIS

AHF analysentechnik AG

Genomics

Euclid Techlabs

Apex Probes Ltd

CrestOptics spa

Evident

BioImagingUK

CSR Biotech

Ferrovac

Blue Scientific Ltd

D-Tails

Gatan/EDAX

Bristol Nano Dynamics

DAEIL SYSTEMS

Graticules Optics Ltd

Bruker

DEBEN UK Ltd

Hamamatsu Photonics UK

Cairn Research

DECTRIS

Limited

Cephla

Delong Instruments

Henry Royce Institute

Chip-Nova Ltd

DENSsolutions

Hitachi High-Tech Europe

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

GmbH

Molecular Machines and

SenseAI

HORIBA

Industries

SmarAct GmbH

HÜBNER Photonics

NanoMEGAS

Spicer Consulting Limited

Hummingbird Scientific

Nanosurf

Technoorg Linda Co. Ltd.

IMC21

Nikon Healthcare UK

Teledyne Photometrics

INSCOPER

NINGBO YONGXIN OPTICS

Telight

ISS Group Services

CO.,LTD.

TESCAN

JEOL

Northern Light Microscopy

The Advanced Materials Show

Journal of Microscopy

ONI

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Kashiyama Europe GmbH

Oxford Instruments

Toptica Photonics

Lambda Photometrics Ltd

Park Systems UK

turboTEM

Laser 2000 (UK) Ltd

Photon Lines Ltd

VitroTem

Leica Microsystems

Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd

Vmicro

Lightcore Technologies

Protochips, Inc.

XEI Scientific, Inc.

Mel-Build

Quantum Design UK

YPS

Merrow Scientific Ltd

Quantum Detectors Ltd

ZEISS

Microbiology Society

Quorum Technologies

Microscopy Society of America

Renishaw plc

Media partners

MicroSupport Co.,Ltd.

RMC Boeckeler

Miltenyi Biotec

SciMed Ltd

Journal of Microscopy FocalPlane

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Action-packed conference, poster sessions and prize-winners!

With nearly 400 abstracts submitted, this year’s conference was one of the best ever in the history of the event, with some incredible science on show.

We were treated to six parallel streams of conference sessions covering the full range of microscopy and imaging techniques across the sciences.We also saw some packed-out audiences for our plenary speakers Peter Crozier (Arizona State University, USA), Rachel Oliver (University of Cambridge, UK), Assaf Zaritsky (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel), Jessica Wade (Imperial College London, UK) and Uri Manor (University of California San Diego, USA).

Meanwhile more than 200 poster presenters shared their work during vibrant poster sessions, and many other presenters gave flash talks during the conference sessions.

Here is a rundown of all our prize-winners for best posters and talks:

Poster Winners

Poster Session 2.

Prize sponsored by the Microbiology Society:

1st Prize Poster Winner

Poster Winner 1066. Connor MacDonald – University of Strathclyde. Revealing Previously Unseen Channel Structures in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms with Multi-scale Imaging

Poster Session 1.

1st Prize Poster Winner

1057. Andreas Rialas – University of Nottingham. 3-Dimensional Characterisation of Hydrated Bone ECM Hydrogels using High-Pressure Freezing, Cryo-FIB-SEM and Cryo-Negative Staining

2nd Prize Poster Winner

1070. George Doherty – KCL. Elucidating Spatio-Temporal Nuclear Dynamics in 4D Using Stateof-the-Art Imaging in Beating Hearts

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2135. Helena Watson – Rosalind Franklin Institute. Advances in plasma FIB and multiscale cryo-ET imaging for structural cell biology

2nd Prize Poster Winner 2119. Katie Beirns – Rosalind Franklin Institute. Watching through a graphene window:A novel view of mitochondria

Frontiers in Bioimaging 1st Prize Poster Winner

2093. Nachiket Pathak - Humboldt Center for Nano- and Biophotonics, University of Cologne. Sensing cell-level contractility deep inside cardiac organoids using microlasers

2nd Prize Poster Winner

2077. Laura Copeland – University of Stratchclyde. Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy for Applications in Live Imaging of Plant and Algal Tissue

AFM & SPM Best Poster sponsored by IOP’s Nanoscale Physics and Technology Group: 2060. Nishan Nathoo – University of Sheffield. Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals the Molecular Architecture of the Streptococcus pneumoniae Cell Wall during Division

Best Talk Biological AFM Sponsored

by Bruker: Itzel Garcia-Monge – University of Leeds. Revealing the unbinding mechanics of hyaluronan receptor interactions on live cells

Best Talk Physical Sciences AFM Sam Harley – Lancaster University. Variational Autoencoders as Feature Extractors for Break-Junction Data Analysis

EMAG

Talks: 1st - 173. Ella Greenaway, Oxford University. Investigating the time dependence of the reversible oxidation state in ceria using electron microscopy 2nd - 62. Tom Stoops, EMAT. Atoms on the move: Quantifying intraframe dynamics in ADF-STEM 3rd - 302. Jack Fawcett Houghton, University of York. In-situ grain boundary formation in the electron microscope: the case of the Σ5[100](012) tilt boundary in anatase nanoparticles

Best Posters 1013. Aidan Horne, University of Warwick. Lorentz TEM Characterization of Magnetic Skyrmions above Room Temperature in a van der Waals Ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2 2033. Ben Muggleton, University of Leeds. Phase and Orientation Mapping of Topological Thin Film Heterostructure using 4D-STEM 2046. Francesca Wilcocks, University of Leicester. Quantification of Elements in Olivine; How Quant Optimised EDS and SEM-WDS compare to EPMA

Flash talk: 1002. Madelaine Badenhorst, Nelson Mandela University. Studying Recrystallisation Dynamics of Swift Heavy Ion Tracks in Y3Fe5O12 (YIG)

Some of our poster and best talk prize-winners are pictured here.

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RMS Scientific Imaging Competition winners revealed!

The RMS was delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Scientific Imaging Competition at mmc2025.

Covering all branches of microscopy, this year’s entries were among the finest seen in the history of the competition.

A shortlist of more than 30 images - across six different categories - formed an eye-catching exhibition at Manchester Central.

This year’s competition also featured the awarding of the Glauert Medal - named after the first female President of the RMS, Audrey Glauert - for best overall image.

Following some difficult deliberations by the judges, the following images were announced as the winners and runners-up:

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AFM and Scanning Probe Microscopies 1st: Christian Bortolini, National Physical Laboratory. Peptide snowflakes

2nd:Temiryazeva Marina, Horiba Scientific, France. Magnetic flowers

Electron Microscopy - Life Sciences 1st: Isabel Sánchez, Centro de Instrumentación Cientifica, University of Granada. “Feather-like” Structures. *Glauert Medal winner

Light Microscopy - Life Sciences 1st:Yurim Seo, Mark Looney and Simon Cleary, University of California, San Francisco and King’s College London. Lymphatic vessels and smooth muscle in a cleared lung 2nd: Jan van IJken, photographer / filmmaker, Trichome

Light Microscopy - Physical Sciences 1st: Bernardo Cesare, Geosciences - University of Padova, Italy. Storm approaching

2nd: Max Patzschke, Bruker. Flowering heads of Aosa rupestris

2nd: Karl Gaff,Art of Science Photography. Colourful Micelles

Electron Microscopy - Physical Sciences

Short Video

1st: Igor Németh, NMC particles with Zr.

1st: José Manuel Martínez López, Química Tech. Tardi

2nd: Zakareya Nashwan, University of Birmingham, Ductile iron lustrous carbon defect

2nd: Christian Bortolini, National Physical Laboratory. Real time self-assembly of amyloid crystals Read more on page 28

Below: First Prize in the Electron Microscopy Life Sciences category – and Glauert Medal for best image overall - went to Isabel Sánchez (Centro de Instrumentación Cientifica, University of Granada) “Feather-like” Structures.

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RMS Learning Zone

hand to answer questions, provide demonstrations

A major part of our flagship event since 2002,

and give advice throughout the exhibition.We were

The Learning Zone was back once again this year,

also delighted to welcome a number of school

accompanied by a dedicated seminar theatre

groups and teachers on the final day. Special thanks

offering a daily programme of introductory talks and

go to all our Learning Zone volunteers for all your

workshops. Our team of expert volunteers were on

efforts!

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mmc2025 – in your own words…

The exhibition hall at MMC 2025 was a vibrant hub

Manchester, with its rich industrial heritage and

showcasing the latest innovations in microscopy,

dynamic cultural scene, provided the perfect setting

imaging systems, and laboratory technologies. I had

for this international gathering of microscopy

the opportunity to interact with several exhibitors,

experts, researchers, and industry professionals.

including leading manufacturers and emerging

Xin Chen, University of Cambridge, UK.

startups. These interactions provided valuable insights into cutting-edge instruments, software solutions, and imaging platforms currently shaping

After the engaging conference sessions, the poster

the field.

sessions delivered a whole extra world of cutting

Siddhi Chugh, University of Southampton. UK.

edge research, friendly chats, and shared experiences over refreshments; building a foundation for future collaborations.

Overall, mmc was once again a fantastic experience, and an opportunity to make new connections and

Tom Stoops, University of Antwerp, Belgium.

catch up with old friends in the microscopy world.

Beatrice Bottura, CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK.

The conference brought together researchers from a wide range of disciplines, allowing me to network in fields both directly related to, and outside my field, for potential collaborations or new areas of

Attending the Microscience Microscopy Congress

interest to investigate in my future career.

2025, incorporating EMAG, was a profoundly

Fraser Eadie, University of Strathclyde, UK.

enriching experience both professionally and personally.With its robust and diverse programme, mmc2025 served as an exceptional platform

Overall, it was a unique experience to be able to

for me to present my research and engage with

present my work to researchers from different

leading experts in the microscopy and bioimaging

disciplines and receive valuable feedback on my

communities.

poster.

Nusrah Afolabi-Balogun, Fountain

Katie Choi, University of Nottingham, UK.

University, Osogbo, Nigeria.

It was more than just a conference; it served The exhibition events were also impressive and

as a dynamic platform for subject specific

well-organized. I was surprised by the diversity of

workshops, networking sessions, and commercial

the companies attending mmc2025. I met people

demonstrations. The event offered a brilliant

from world-famous large companies from Japan,

opportunity to showcase my PhD research.

Europe, and America. I also saw small starting-up companies from China, Europe, and the UK. Peng Bao, University of Liverpool, UK.

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Ayesha Mubshrah, University of Bristol, UK.

The RMS would once again like to thank all our attendees for making the event a huge success. We hope to see you again at IMC21 and mmc2027!

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The 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition

T

his popular event started out in the 1960s, when preparing micrographs was much more challenging than it is now; images were usually recorded on black and white film and the developed negatives then had to be enlarged

and printed. The micrographs, usually up to 10 x 8 inches in size, were then mounted on card, ready for displaying. And remember - negative film came in cassettes of 24 or 36 shots, and in the case of electron microscopes, the negatives were usually

glass plates, 6 x 9 cm in size, with only 12 loaded in the microscope, after they had been carefully desiccated to preserve the microscope vacuum. Every exposure had to count!

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For submitting an image to the RMS Micrograph

For selecting winners in each category, the judging

Competition at that time, it also had to be carefully

panel, consisting of Joelle Goulding, Pippa Hawes,

wrapped and entrusted to the postal service for

Alice Pyne and myself, assisted by Lucy Ridler

safe delivery.

and Owen Morton in the RMS office, had first to

Now, times have changed. Digital image acquisition and processing have almost completely replaced film, so huge numbers of images can be routinely acquired and stored for later image processing and analysis.This in turn means that images can be submitted to competitions remotely. Whereas a few dozen mounted, black and white prints would be submitted from around the UK in the early days, we now receive hundreds of digital images from as far afield as India, Australia and the Americas. The 2025 competition entries comprised more than

agree on a short-list from each category. This was a particularly tough call, as almost all entries were excellent, most including that elusive “wow!” factor.

In a few cases the addition of colour to electron microscope images was over-done, but usually it added to the overall impact. The final 38 shortlisted images were then professionally printed to exhibition standard and, along with a large-screen monitor showing the six video clips, displayed in the entrance foyer at mmc2025 as a very attractive welcome into the main hall.

240 images and video clips covering all aspects

During the mmc conference the first and second

of microscopy: electron and light microscopy in

places for each category were finally selected and

both life and physical sciences, scanning probe

announced. The winning images are are shown

microscopies, “others”, as well as short video

overleaf.The authors of winning and second-placed

sequences.

entries received certificates and attractive cash prizes.

Attendees at mmc2025 walk among the gallery of images shortlisted in the RMS Scientific imaging competition.

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AFM and Scanning Probe Microscopies

1st: Christian Bortolini, National Physical Laboratory. Peptide snowflakes Atomic-force microscopy image (10 × 10 µm²) of an amyloid-like peptide dried on freshly cleaved muscovite mica.The peptide aggregates form irregular, leaf-like crystalline patterns reminiscent of snowflakes.

2nd: Temiryazeva Marina, Horiba Scientific, France. Magnetic flowers. The beautiful magnetic flowers have grown on the structure CoPt/YIG. On the one hand they please our eyes, on the other hand this material may be useful for spintronics. Scan size is 11x11 µm.This MFM image was taken using SmartSPM Horiba Scientific.

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Electron Microscopy - Life Sciences

1st: Isabel Sánchez, Centro de Instrumentación Cientifica, University of Granada. “Feather-like” Structures. This false-colour Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image reveals the edge of a mosquito wing, covered with “feather-like” structures. Mosquitoes are known for their distinctive flight, facilitated by a wing design and movement that set them apart from other insects.This silent and efficient wing architecture allows mosquitoes to manoeuvre with remarkable precision and agility in the air. In collaboration with Lola Molina and Daniel Garcia-Munoz. Equipment used: Quanta 650 FEG (Thermofisher). Secondary electron image. Image width: 0.137 mm. *Glauert Medal Winner for Best Overall Image.

2nd: Max Patzschke, Bruker. Flowering heads of Aosa rupestris. The flowering heads of Aosa rupestris show mineralization with silicon (green) and calcium (red), enhancing structural strength and resilience to environmental stress. Combined with its harpoon- shaped leaf hairs the plant enhances its resistance to external stressors and potentially enhancing its ability to life in challenging environments.

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Electron Microscopy - Physical Sciences

1st: Igor Németh, NMC particles with Zr. EDS maps of NMC particles with Zr grains.The powder sample was poured on carbon pad and dusted off. No further sample preparation.

2nd: Zakareya Nashwan, University of Birmingham, Ductile iron lustrous carbon defect. Ductile cast irons are used in several critical components across many applications like automotive, railway, energy generation and aerospace. Failure during service of these components could be catastrophic. Entrainment defects form due to turbulent filling of the moulds.They are found hidden inside casted metal components and they reduce mechanical propertie significantly leading to premature, catastrophic failures. A scanning electron microscope image with a layered energy dispersive x-ray elements maps reveals the first observed lustrous carbon entrainment defect on a fracture surface of a ductile cast iron test bar.The image shows the lustrous carbon film is hindering the growth of the dendrites causing internal porosity that would lead to premature catastrophic failure.

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Light Microscopy - Life Sciences

1st: Yurim Seo, Mark Looney and Simon Cleary, University of California, San Francisco and King›s College London. Lymphatic vessels and smooth muscle in a cleared lung. Delicate lymphatic vessels, blood vessels and airways in the lungs are essential for life and disrupted in several diseases.These vascular and airway structures are mostly too small to resolve using nuclear medicine scans, and form structures that cannot be fully appreciated by viewing slices of lungs under conventional microscopes. A solution for this problem has been provided in the form of tissue clearing methods, which allow researchers to turn opaque lungs transparent and view intricate structures deep inside intact organs in 3D using fluorescence microscopy. In this cleared mouse lung, lymphatic vessels are displayed in green and the smooth muscle tissue that surrounds airways and arteries is shown in white.

2nd: Jan van IJken, photographer / filmmaker, Trichome. Plant hair. Transmitted light, Differential Interference Contrast.

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Light Microscopy - Physical Sciences

1st: Bernardo Cesare, Geosciences - University of Padova, Italy. Storm approaching. Polarized light photomicrograph of a thin slice (thin section) of an agate from Brazil.The unusual, extremely fine-grained texture of the rock has created this view, reminiscent of an approaching thunderstorm on a hilly landscape.

2nd: Karl Gaff, Art of Science Photography. Colourful Micelles. On the microscopic regime, micelles jitter chaotically in the molecular storm of Brownian motion, but this situation appears more relaxed.

The surface tension of this soap film membrane exhibits relatively strong elasticity that dampens the Brownian chaos and lateral motion caused by gravitational draining, surface tension and air currents, making this mesmerizing a sight easier to photograph through the microscope! The vibrant hues arise from thin film interference, where light waves reflecting off the upper and lower interfaces of the film interfere to produce the hypnotic colours.

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Short Video

1st: José Manuel Martínez López, Química Tech. Tardi.

2nd: Christian Bortolini, National Physical Laboratory. Real time self-assembly of amyloid crystals.

Glauert medal presentation This year a very special additional prize was awarded for the image that the panel agreed was the “best in show”. First introduced in 1972, the

female President of the Royal Microscopical Society (1970 – 71). It was hoped that the medal would be presented to the outright winner of future competitions.

Glauert Medal was so named to commemorate the

I had the special privilege of receiving a Glauert

term of office of Dr Audrey M. Glauert as the first

Medal myself for ‘best overall image’ in 1975 imaging

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The Glauert Medal is 35mm in diameter, and just 2 or 3mm thick. Due to the softness of the metal, it is encapsulated in a large, acrylic block.

Only seven were produced in the early 1970s.

A young John Hutchison (right) receives the Glauert Medal in 1975.

Full circle: John presenting the Glauert medal at mmc2025.

competition, and I was able to return the gesture

acquiring the image; where colour has been added,

this year as a judge – several decades later! The

it needs to be done to enhance the image. Excellent

very worthy winner was Isabel Sánchez, for her

presentation and a certain impact factor are also

first-prize-winning entry in the Electron Microscopy

considered. Having received more than 240 images

Life Sciences category – ‘Feather-like structures’.

Unfortunately Isabel was unable to attend mmc2025, but the medal was received on her behalf by Ana Alarcon Clemente of Thermofisher (pictured with me, above right).

Our Scientific Imaging Competition is intended

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this year, it confirms that the competition now attracts many microscopists from around the world, and continues to fulfil its original purpose – encouraging the preparation and presentation of images of the highest quality.

to promote the presentation of images that

We look forward to seeing your latest images in

demonstrate skilled use of the microscope in

2027, so get busy!

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Discovery at the Speed of Light Spectral flow cytometry with the Agilent NovoCyte Opteon Showcasing up to 5 lasers, 73 detectors, a demonstrated 45-color panel, and more powerful features: – Exceptional performance with innovative optics – Integrated fluidics sensors for consistent data and reliability – Enhanced resolution with multidimensional autofluorescence subtraction – Streamlined spectral experiment setup, analysis, and reporting – Automation ready with autosampler and robotics compatibility

DE-005578 © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2025

See more markers at agilent.com/lifesciences/opteon

R E P O RT

Cytometry in Oceanography and Aquaculture: A Sea of Possibilities 9 -11 April 2025 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

T

he symposium “Cytometry in Oceanography and Aquaculture: A Sea of Possibilities” took place from April 9–11, 2025, at CICESE (Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada) in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. This marked the first time a symposium of this nature had been held in Mexico.

Ensenada relies heavily on the sea for its livelihood.

As a result, much of the city’s research is focused on oceanographic topics. This makes the introduction of flow cytometry to this community especially valuable. Many in the biological sciences are unaware

that flow cytometry is a versatile technology, often associating it exclusively with immunology.

However, its applications extend far beyond that; it can be a powerful tool for studying environmental systems and a wide range of other fields.With this in mind, we aimed to share our expertise in nonconventional sample analysis using flow cytometry.

The event brought together professionals and graduate students from across the marine and aquatic sciences. Alongside the symposium, a training course in cytometry with applications in biomedicine was also held. The symposium welcomed 26 participants, while the biomedical

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course hosted 30 attendees, bringing the total number of participants to 56.

For many, this was their first hands-on experience with cytometry. To support their learning, we prepared short introductory training videos in advance of the symposium. These materials helped attendees familiarise themselves with the field beforehand. During the event, hands-on training and scientific discussions further deepened their understanding of cytometry’s potential in marine research, highlighting its relevance to environmental and aquatic science.

I had the honour of being invited as a keynote speaker, presenting on the capabilities of imaging flow cytometry - specifically using the ImageStream Mk II - in analysing marine and environmental samples. My sessions combined theoretical background with practical demonstrations. It was especially rewarding to teach imaging cytometry in Spanish, my native language, which helped break down language barriers and made it easier to communicate complex concepts to the local community.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to The Royal Microscopical Society, CYTEK, and the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) for their generous support, which made my participation in this meaningful event possible.

Dr Luis Steven Servín González Flow Cytometry Specialist The University of Warwick, School of Life Sciences

Calendar We are very pleased to continue offering a range of ‘in-person’ and virtual events this year, in order to maximise accessibility and provide opportunities to those who might not otherwise be able to attend.

The following information was correct at the of publication but could potentially be subject to change in the coming weeks. Please visit our event calendar at www.rms.org.uk for the latest updates.

If you have any questions about a booking you have already made for an event, or need any help or advice, please contact us at info@rms.org.uk

2025

2026

August / September

January

31 August – 4 September Microscopy Conference 2025, Karlsruhe, Germany (Affiliate event) 8-12 8-12

Flow Cytometry Course 2025,York, UK 15th AFM BioMed Summer School, Sheffield, UK (RMS sponsored event)

16-17

Workshop on the Applications of 4D-STEM, Leeds, UK

October 6-7

Facility Management Training Course 2025,York, UK

December 4-5

Virtual European Flow Core Meeting 2025, (Online, free event)

6-7

Flow Cytometry Facilities Meeting 2026, Liverpool, UK

8-9

Light Microscopy Facilities Meeting (UKLMF), Newcastle, UK

May

18-20 Microscopy of Oxidation 12, Loughborough, UK

July 12-16

Synergy in Science, Glasgow, UK (RMS Sponsored Event)

August

28 August – 5 September IMC21, Liverpool, UK

For further information on all these events, please visit our Event Calendar at www.rms.org.uk

40

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Featured RMS events Workshop 4D-STEM

on

the

Applications

of

16-17 September Leeds, UK Applications of 4D-STEM is a workshop to be held in Leeds on 16th and 17th Sep 2025 and is organised jointly by the Royal Microscopical Society and the Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group (EMAG) of the Institute of Physics. The workshop is kindly sponsored by Tescan.

The purpose of this workshop is to highlight the applications of 4D-STEM across a broad range Virtual European Flow Core Meeting 2025 4-5 December (Online, Free event) We are excited to announce the 3rd Virtual European Flow Core Meeting, taking place on 4-5 December 2025.

The meeting is aimed at all those that run or work in a Flow Cytometry Core Facility and seeks to address common subject matters, themes, and circumstances within the european community. We will focus on new and emerging

of materials classes, both hard and soft, and by demonstrating the micro- and nano-structural information that can be derived and linked to the processing and performance of materials.

Over two days, the workshop will comprise both keynote and invited talks from active researchers in the field, contributed poster presentations and demonstrations on the TESCAN TENSOR, the world’s first dedicated multimodal analytical STEM microscope optimized for 4D-STEM workflows and enhanced by integrated and fully automated beam precession. technologies as well as operational aspects of running, and working in, a core. We will include talks about national cytometry societies, presentation from current core facilities (Crib talks) and also from our industry colleagues (Techno bites).The meeting will run over two days, from lunchtime to lunchtime (4 and 5 December 2025). Although in a virtual format, there will be ample time in the programme for discussion and questions from the community. The meeting will be ‘live’ and will not be recorded, it will be unavailable online afterwards.

41

Sustainability in microscopy: Transforming research practices

By Dr. Morag Rose Hunter, Centre for Genomics Research, AstraZeneca UK

42

The environmental imperative in scientific research

Beyond the bench: The broader sustainability context

The scientific community increasingly recognises

While individual scientists can make immediate

that laboratory practices can significantly contribute

changes to laboratory practices, true sustainability

to the environmental footprint.At AstraZeneca, our

requires examining how our work connects to

ambitious sustainability strategy extends beyond

larger systems. This holistic perspective reveals

corporate policies to fundamentally transform how

opportunities for meaningful impact.

we conduct research across our organisation and

Energy consumption extends far beyond laboratory

supply chain. Light microscopy presents unique

equipment. Consider data storage - a critical but

sustainability challenges and opportunities compared

often overlooked aspect of microscopy work. With

to other laboratory techniques - and implementing

each gigabyte of data generating approximately 0.3kg

sustainable practices can often yield substantial cost

of CO2 and microscopy datasets frequently reaching

and time savings.

terabyte scale, our digital footprint is substantial.

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Maximising existing resources Before initiating new experiments, we should ask: “Is laboratory work necessary?” Robust data management systems and transparent research practices can prevent redundant experiments. At AstraZeneca, our integrated image-metadata system links directly to electronic laboratory notebooks, Plasticware required for 384 samples in 96-well plates, excluding edge wells (left); 96-well plates, including edge wells (centre; saving 200g of plastic); in a 384-well plate (right; saving a total 420g of plastic).

allowing researchers to discover and build upon colleagues’ previous work.

Whether managed internally or by third parties, we

Microscopy images contain rich information that

advocate for renewable energy sources to power

can answer questions beyond their original purpose.

these data centres.

Our team has extracted valuable insights about

Supply chain decisions also significantly impact

micronuclei, cell cycle dynamics, and growth rates

sustainability. Selecting vendors committed to

from existing nuclear stain data - an approach that, in

environmental

stewardship,

bulk

one project alone, saved 150kWh of energy, 1 tonne

ordering

reduce

emissions,

of plastic, 5TB of storage, one full-time equivalent

judicious use of temperature-controlled shipping, and

position, and over $50,000.This data reuse principle

establishing centralised reagent management systems

also underpins the value of Cell Painting, label-free

can dramatically reduce environmental impact.

imaging, and AI-driven image analysis, which can

While these organisational changes require time to

identify previously unrecognised phenotypes in

implement, they create lasting benefits.

existing datasets.

to

implementing

transportation

Binning reduces image size, and therefore the data processing and storage footprint. Sometimes the level of detail available in a fullresolution, 1x1 binned image is not necessary. Human lung fibroblasts with stains for the whole cell area (green), actin filaments (orange), and endosomes (red).

43

The Discovery Centre – AstraZeneca in Cambridge, UK.

Strategic experimental design Thoughtful

experimental

design

maximises

the value of each experiment while minimising resource use. Using statistical power calculations

or monoclonal options, eliminating animal products while providing consistent quality across large batches.

based on preliminary data helps determine the

Miniaturisation offers another powerful sustainability

optimal number of replicates needed for robust

strategy. Converting experiments from coverslips in

results. While this approach might occasionally

24-well plates to 96-well formats significantly reduces

increase experiment size, conducting one definitive

reagent volumes throughout the experimental

experiment is more sustainable than multiple

workflow - from culture media to fixatives, antibodies, and fluorescent dyes. These reductions

inconclusive ones.

Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology has proven particularly valuable for complex assay development, frequently

44

represent a more sustainable choice over polyclonal

reducing

plasticware

cascade through the supply chain, decreasing shipping emissions, packaging waste, and hazardous waste disposal.

waste by over 75% and reagent consumption by

Edge effects in multiwell plates often concern

50-90%. At AstraZeneca, one application for DoE

researchers, leading many to exclude outer wells

is optimisation of immunofluorescence staining

- wasting up to 37.5% of available space in 96-well

conditions. A single well-designed experiment

formats. However, statistical correction methods

can simultaneously evaluate multiple parameters

can compensate for these effects, allowing full plate

- such as whether blocking is required, wash

utilisation. Alternatively, specialised low-evaporation

step optimisation, and recombinant antibody

plates effectively minimise edge effects during

performance. Recombinant antibodies themselves

extended time-course experiments.

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Resource Sharing and Optimisation

significantly improve workflow efficiency when processing multiple multiwell plates.

Equipment sharing, long practised in microscopy through

core

facilities,

delivers

substantial

sustainability benefits. Shared instruments reduce laboratory

space

requirements

-

significant

considering labs typically consume 5-10 times more energy than office spaces - while preventing emissions associated with manufacturing redundant

Optimising Data Collection and Storage Image acquisition and management present critical opportunities

for

sustainability

Implementing

these

practices

improvements. may

challenge

conventional microscopy practice but yield substantial

equipment.

benefits:

Strategic scheduling of back-to-back users minimises

• Employ binning to combine signals from multiple

power cycling of sensitive components, extending equipment lifespan. One of our automated confocal microscopes has operated almost continuously for years, with lasers functioning 50,000 hours beyond

pixels, reducing image size while improving signalto-noise ratios and accelerating acquisition and analysis.

• Determine the minimum number of fields

manufacturer specifications - eliminating the need

required for statistical significance, and consider

for multiple replacement sets and their associated

whether lower magnification imaging might

environmental costs.

provide equivalent data while covering larger

Shared automated systems enable multiple research teams to benefit from miniaturised experimental formats through automated liquid handling and microscope stages. These systems also enhance experimental reproducibility, reducing the need for technical replicates. Even modest investments like automated handheld multichannel pipettes can

sample areas. Our experience shows that machine learning-based image analysis often detects phenotypes effectively at lower magnifications than conventional analyses.

• Save maximum projections rather than individual z-planes when three-dimensional information isn’t essential for analysis.

45

• Implement lossless compression by default we’ve reduced data volume by an average of 24%

benefit the environment - it transforms how

on high-throughput confocal systems without

we conduct research, leading to more efficient

compromising image quality.

experiments and higher quality data. Small changes

Information technology infrastructure supports

in experimental workflows and data management

sustainable microscopy through FAIR data principles:

practices accumulate into substantial environmental

Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

and financial benefits over time, advancing both

At AstraZeneca, we’ve implemented data lifecycle

scientific discovery and planetary health.

management policies that automatically queue data

Author information:

for deletion after predetermined retention periods (typically 1-10 years), focusing storage resources on the most valuable datasets.

Conclusion: Sustainable Microscopy as Scientific Best Practice Sustainable microscopy practices extend beyond environmental benefits to enhance research quality and efficiency. By thoughtfully planning experiments, maximising existing resources, sharing equipment, and optimising data management, we reduce our environmental footprint while generating more robust scientific insights. The digital aspect of microscopy particularly data storage - represents a significant but often overlooked sustainability consideration.

46

Implementing these approaches doesn’t merely

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Dr. Morag Rose Hunter

Centre for Genomics Research, AstraZeneca UK

‘PORE-fect Gaudi’

By Anıl Ceylan, Izmir Institute of Technology, Baldemir Lab Shortlisted in the Light Microscopy, Life Sciences category of the 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition. Hand-coloured scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a highly porous tissue scaffold, fabricated from a biocompatible polymer using emulsion templating, with a field of view of approximately 250 µm.The vivid coloration is inspired by the trencadís mosaic featured on the façade of Casa Batlló, designed

by Antoni Gaudí.

Journal of

Microscopy The Journal of Microscopy publishes top quality research articles, review articles and Hot Topic papers covering all aspects of microscopy and analysis. This includes cutting-edge technology and innovative applications in physics, chemistry, material and biological sciences.

You can read the latest Early View papers online at www.journalofmicroscopy.org They include:

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Fast Gaussian fitting peak extraction for confocal microscopy

Jian Liu, Zhenlong Xu, Ziyi Wang, Xiaoyu You, Chenguang Liu Accurate measurement of sample height is crucial in confocal microscopy measurement. This precision depends on how well the system can detect the brightest point in the light intensity data. Current methods are either too slow or not precise enough, making real-time measurements difficult. This study introduces a faster way by simplifying the math involved. The new method avoids complex calculations by introducing a Gaussian function linearisation technique, enabling faster solutions without compromising accuracy.Tests show that this approach is just as precise (within 3 nm) as older, slower methods but works over 144 times faster.

This improvement could help scientists and engineers perform faster and more reliable confocal microscopy measurements.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Influence of polarisation states on the axial point spread function in subtractive second harmonic generation 48

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

microscopy with a vortex beam Huizhen Xu, Kanwarpal Singh

Doughnut-shaped vortex beams are widely used to enhance lateral resolution in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and subtractive second harmonic generation microscopy. The influence of polarisation states on the axial point spread function is investigated theoretically and experimentally in subtractive second harmonic generation microscopy using a first-order Laguerre–Gaussian vortex beam.

The influence of left-handed circular, right-handed circular and linear polarised states are analysed for second harmonic generation imaging and compared with results of fluorescence imaging. The results exhibit great agreement with theoretical predictions, and demonstrate the superiority of left-handed circular polarisation in achieving a complete dark central spot and an extended axial point spread function.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - Open access

Ptychographic analysis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell morphology: The impact of cell senescence Lorenzo Anconelli, Giovanna Farruggia, Isabella Zafferri, Francesca

Borsetti, Stefano Iotti, Francesca Rossi, Jeanette A. Maier Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) undergo replicative senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest that limits their utility in regenerative medicine applications.

To identify novel markers of senescence useful to enhance the quality of MSC-based therapies, we compared young and senescent human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) using a non-invasive, label-free approach based on quantitative phase imaging (QPI) with the Livecyte microscope. Senescent hMSCs demonstrated substantial morphological alterations, including a threefold increase in cell area, elevated dry mass, reduced thickness, and decreased sphericity compared to their younger counterparts.Additionally, motility metrics such as instantaneous velocity and displacement were significantly reduced in senescent cells, underscoring functional impairments that could hinder their therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. The application of QPI offers a promising tool for monitoring cellular health, identifying, and potentially eliminating, senescent cells to improve the quality and effectiveness of MSC-based therapies.

INVITED REVIEW - Open access

An overview of reliable and representative DVC measurements for musculoskeletal tissues Gianluca Tozzi, Enrico Dall’Ara

Musculoskeletal tissues present complex hierarchical structures and mechanical heterogeneity across multiple length scales, making them difficult to characterise accurately. Digital volume correlation (DVC) is a non-destructive imaging technique that

enables quantification of internal 3D strain fields under realistic loading conditions, offering a unique tool to investigate the biomechanics of biological tissues and biomaterials.

This review highlights recent advancements in DVC, focusing on its applications across scales ranging from organ- to tissue-level mechanics in both mineralised and soft tissues. Instead of a traditional systematic review, we identify key technical challenges including the treatment of tissue interfaces, border effects, and the quantification of uncertainty in DVC outputs.

Strategies for improving measurement accuracy and reliability are discussed. We also report on the increasing use of DVC in in vivo applications, its coupling with computational modelling to inform and validate biomechanical simulations, and its recent integration with data-driven methods such as deep learning to directly predict displacement and strain fields.Additionally, we examine its application in tissue engineering and implant–tissue interface assessment.

By addressing such areas, we outline current limitations and emerging opportunities for future research.These include advancing precision, enabling clinical translation, and leveraging machine learning to create more robust, automated, and predictive DVC workflows for musculoskeletal health and tissue engineering.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - Open Access

Optimisation of freeze substitution protocols for the examination of malaria parasite structure by volumetric electron microscopy

Rachel Rachid, Camila Wendt, Wanderley de Souza, Kildare Miranda

49

Malaria is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, annually responsible for over 400,000 deaths.

It is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which undergo remarkable structural changes during their development within different cells across various hosts.An important approach to understand the structural basis of biochemical and physiological processes during Plasmodium infection has been the quantitative measurement of dimensional parameters obtained by different microscopy techniques.

In this regard, sample preparation, particularly electron microscopy protocols that rely on roomtemperature chemical fixation, has posed significant challenges, as it is known to produce artefacts such as shrinking, swelling and displacement of structures and osmolytes. In contrast, specimen immobilisation by cryofixation followed by freeze substitution minimises these artefacts and provides better sample preservation. Nevertheless, the composition of the freeze substitution medium may vary depending on the cell type, making it a critical factor for achieving optimal sample preparation. In this work, we optimised a freeze substitution protocol for the structural analysis of intraerythrocytic stages of the murine malaria models Plasmodium chabaudi and P. berghei. We tested different freeze substitution recipes, considering the biochemical composition of malaria membranes, and compared the results with those obtained through conventional chemical fixation. Overall, the results showed a significant improvement on the preservation of cell morphology and haemozoin crystals. Establishing an efficient and reproducible freeze substitution protocol for murine malaria models provides an important tool for advancing our understanding of the structural organisation of Plasmodium spp.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - Open Access

A workflow for semiautomated volume correlative light microscopy and transmission electron tomography 50

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Kohki Konishi, Guilherme Neves, Matthew Russell, Masafumi Mimura, Juan Burrone, Roland Fleck Volume Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (vCLEM) is a powerful method for assessing the ultrastructure of molecularly defined subcellular domains. A central challenge in vCLEM has been the efficient navigation of Regions of Interest (ROIs) across multimodal and multiscale imaging datasets.We developed two key tools to overcome this challenge.

First, we developed a multimodal image registration tool (SegReg) that utilizes segmentation of common objects across modalities and uses a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) for registration of imaging datasets in two and three dimensions. Secondly, we developed a dedicated image viewer to visualize multimodal image registration in three dimensions (NavROI). Here, we demonstrate the integrated use of SegReg and NavROI to navigate large mouse tissue blocks with preserved fluorescent signals to allow selective targeting for TEM tomography of ROIs containing synapses and the cisternal organelle on the proximal region of the axon of a selected pyramidal neuron. By providing real time guidance to precise X-Y trimming of selected ROIs, reliable estimates of cutting depth relative to ROIs and a clear visual navigation of multimodal and multiscale images, our integrated workflow significantly improves the efficiency and accessibility of vCLEM analysis.

METHODS AND PROTOCOLS Open Access

DeepEM Playground: Bringing deep learning to electron microscopy labs

Hannah Kniesel, Poonam Poonam, Tristan Payer, Tim Bergner, Pedro Hermosilla, Timo Ropinski Deep learning (DL) has transformed image analysis, enabling breakthroughs in segmentation, object detection, and classification. However, a gap persists between cutting-edge DL research and its practical adoption in electron microscopy (EM) labs. This is largely due to the inaccessibility of DL methods for EM specialists and the expertise required to interpret model outputs.

To bridge this gap, we introduce DeepEM Playground, an interactive, user-friendly platform designed to empower EM researchers – regardless of coding experience – to train, tune, and apply DL models.

By providing a guided, hands-on approach, DeepEM Playground enables users to explore the workings of DL in EM, facilitating both first-time engagement and more advanced model customisation.

The DeepEM Playground lowers the barrier to entry and fosters a deeper understanding of deep learning, thereby enabling the EM community to integrate AIdriven analysis into their workflows more confidently and effectively.

Submit to the Journal of Microscopy 1.

No submissions fees

2.

No page or colour charges

3.

No page limit

4.

Simple online submission

5.

Helpful, friendly editorial team

6.

Average time from submission to first decision is less than 50 days

7.

High readership figures

8.

Online tracking system – authors can easily check the status of an article in production and receive emails at key stages

9.

Rapid publication with Early View papers published online in advance of print, significantly shortening time from acceptance to publication

10. Free electronic offprints

Journal of Microscopy App Available for iPhone and Android

Search for Journal of Microscopy on the App Store or Google play and access your personal or institutional subscription wherever you are, whenever you want.

Submit online at https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/jmi View the Guidelines for Authors and full submission details online at:

www.journalofmicroscopy.org 51

Journal of

Microscopy

Journal of Microscopy welcomes two new editors We are pleased to welcome two new faces to the Journal of Microscopy Editorial Board!

Professor

Dylan

Owen, Department of

Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK, and Dr Venera Weinhardt, Centre

for

Organismal

Studies,

Heidelberg

In 2013, he started his own lab at King’s College London, developing new SMLM analysis methods and using advanced fluorescence imaging in the study of membrane biophysics and immunology.

Since 2019 he has been Interdisciplinary Chair of Immunology and Mathematics at the University of Birmingham, where his lab has several research themes including AI-driven bioimage analysis and community data sharing initiatives.

University, Germany, have recently joined the

Dr. Venera Weinhardt is a project leader at the

Journal as Scientific Editors.

Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Professor

Owen

completed an MSci in Physics in 2004,

Heidelberg, where she develops advanced imaging techniques to study cellular and organismal structure.

MRes in Chemical

With a background in physics and over a decade

Biology in 2005 and

of experience in X-ray imaging, she leads an

PhD in biomedical

internationally recognised research group focused

imaging in 2008,

on innovative methods such as in

developing spectral

vivo imaging, novel contrast

and

lifetime

mechanisms,

fluorescence microscopy platforms for studying

throughput

cell membrane biophysics, under the supervision

workflows.

Professor Dylan Owen.

of Profs Paul French and Tony Magee at Imperial College London. He then moved to the University of New South Wales to work in the lab of the late Prof Katharine Gaus, applying single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to the study of T cell signalling.

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

high-

analysis

Her expertise lies in life science applications, particularly d e v e l o p i n g novel

contrast

mechanisms, Dr Venera Weinhardt.

52

and

in

advancing in vivo and low-dose imaging, and designing new imaging geometries. She has also

editorial board.

As a recipient of the Walter Benjamin Program from the German Research Foundation, Dr. Weinhardt joined the group of Prof. Carolyn Larabell at UCSF and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.There, she focused on enhancing the spatial resolution and

infected states (including HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2).

Dr Weinhardt is also dedicated to advancing laboratory-based soft X-ray tomography (SXT), with her research supported by the EU’s Research and Innovation Act (CoCID project). She has demonstrated the power of quantitative, highthroughput SXT imaging for investigating pathogeninfected cells, highlighting the potential of this state-of-the-art technology. To complement SXT, she develops correlative imaging modalities, such as axial super-resolution fluorescence microscopy

of

Journal

step down from the

image formation, and analysis workflows.

these advances to study cells in both normal and

to

the

Microscopy, as they

contributed to the development of restoration,

image quality of soft X-ray microscopy, applying

contributions

Professor Carolyn Larabell.

Mark

(Professor

FREng,

University

of

Sheffield),

a

former

is RMS

President and joined the editorial board

in 2012, handling papers in the fields of materials, metals, crystals, ceramics and EBSD. A winner of the IOM3 Rosenhain Medal, Mark is recognised for his work on the characterisation of a wide range of advanced materials and surfaces. He has published 306 refereed scientific papers and is co-author of the book ‘Ceramic Microstructures’.

Mark pursued a career in industry before taking a PhD in the School of Materials in Leeds in 1990, after which he moved as an academic to the Department of Materials in Sheffield, where he was

for imaging cancer and immune cells, supported by

head of department from 2011 – 2015.

the MSCA doctoral networks of the EU (CLEXM

Carolyn Larabell joined the Journal as a Scientific

project).

Editor in 2019, handling papers in the fields of

…And we bid a fond farewell to Mark Rainforth and Carolyn Larabell

X-ray microscopy/tomography, correlated cryo

We would like to thank Professor Mark Rainforth

of Medicine, with a joint appointment as Advanced

and Professor Carolyn Larabell for all their

Light Source Professor at Lawrence Berkeley

fluorescence and x-ray tomography, cryo light microscopy, image segmentation/annotation, cell structure and nuclear structure. She is Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Anatomy at the University of California San Francisco School

National Laboratory.

Carolyn is also the Founding Director of the National Center for X-ray Tomography (NCXT), an NIGMS-NIH and DOE-BER supported Biomedical Technology Research Resource.With a background in both light and electron microscopy, Carolyn trained as a Cell Biologist and has a long history of developing and implementing new technologies for Professor Mark Rainforth.

imaging cells.

53

Microscopical Marine Marvels

By Dr John Hutchison Hon FRMS

54

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

O

ur

recently

acquired

collection

of

antique microscope slides includes some in the category “marine zoology”. The

earliest members of our society – mainly wealthy, professional gentlemen – were keen to explore the new world that was opening up under their microscopes, and having neither the time nor skill to make their own, were avid collectors of slides made and sold by well-known mounters.

55

This article continues my previous ones describing

his business in the early 1840s, Topping used star-

some of the fascinating specimens that have

patterned papers of various colours to prepare his

survived well over 120 years since they were first

slides. These were paper-wrapped on both sides,

mounted. Here we focus on some rather unusual

and were also covered along their edges with pink-

slides showing organisms found in shallow seawater.

coloured paper!

Among the earliest of these are some made by Charles Topping (1800 – 1874). At the start of

Following these early paper-covered slides,Topping

Figure 1. Early C.M Topping slide showing a cross-section of an echinus (sea urchin) spine. Note the growth rings and very fine structure.

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Figure 2a.Topping slide showing echinus spine, 1 mm in diameter.

Figure 2b.The internal structure, imaged with incident lighting.

went on to produce mounts with more elaborate

As one of the most famous mounters of his time,

designs, usually including his monogram.An example

in February 1846 Charles Topping was admitted

is shown in Figure 2.

as an “Associate Member” of the Microscopical

In a few cases his slides themselves are wooden, with glass slips providing the "window" as shown in Figure 3.

Society of London (which later became the RMS) “in recognition of his services to microscopical pursuits”.

Why he did not become a full Fellow is not known, although it may reflect his social standing as a

57

Figure 3. Topping slide made of wood.

Figure 4.Transverse section of the base of an echinus spine.

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“tradesman” rather than a wealthy, professional “gentleman”…. thankfully, times have changed!

Later, other mounters also produced attractive slides of echinus spines, an example being shown in Figure 4.This was produced by the London firm Clarke and Page in the early 20th century.

Clarke & Page also produced large numbers of slides “prepared without pressure”, using sealed mounts in which the specimens were mounted in liquid or balsam, preserving their shape and colour, as shown in Figure 5.

A boneless wonder This strange creature is an amphioxus, which although resembling a fish in appearance, is actually

Figure 6. A carefully mounted series of amphioxus cross-sections.Again, this was prepared by Clarke and Page.

an invertebrate, lacking a skeleton and backbone.

It has an elongated body, flattened laterally and pointed at both ends. A “stiffening rod” of tightly packed cells extends the whole length of the body.

The mouth is on the underside of the body and is surrounded by a tuft of 20 or 30 sensory appendages used for finding food particles.

Like father, like son Charles Topping’s son Amos followed his father’s footsteps in making excellent mounts, and a superb example is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 5.A complete amphioxus specimen.

Figure 7.Transverse section of a lamprey.This exquisite slide shows a complete cross-section of a lamprey – a very strange fish indeed as shown in Fig. 8.

59

Figure 8.The lamprey. Image credit: Eastern-brook-lamprey L reissneri-02” by Loki austanfell, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Coral details Edmund Wheeler (1808-1884) also produced large numbers of paper-covered mounts, as shown in

Figure 9. Fruiting part of young coral (Wheeler).

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Figure 10. Red coral – note the wrong label!

Figure 9.Again the majority of his slides include the “EW” monogram.

Figure 11.Although described in the label as Red Coral, this is actually the Medusa Haliclystus (Kaleidoscope Jellyfish) shown in Figure 10.The labels on these two slides have somehow been interchanged, presumably when they were made.

Clark & Page also mounted excellent slides of corals, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

A colourful creature The cuttlefish is an unusual invertebrate, with the amazing ability to rapidly change colour and markings to avoid predators, or for males to impress females.

When born, the young are known as “hatchlings” and a nice example is shown in Figure 12.

This one is only 5 mm in length, while a fully grown adult can be up to 50 cm in size. Although as an invertebrate the cuttlefish has no skeleton as such,

control buoyancy when required. Having been used

it has an internal “bone” (cuttlebone) – a porous

in crushed powder form in the past as a polish by

structure composed of aragonite, a crystalline

goldsmiths and even as an additive in toothpaste,

form of calcium carbonate. It serves to maintain

cuttlebone is used today for cage birds and other

the animal’s shape and also contains multiple

pets as a source of calcium. The complex internal

chambers that can be filled with gas or liquid to

structure is shown in Figure 13.

Figure 12. Newly hatched baby cuttlefish.

Figure 13. Internal microstructure of cuttlefish bone.This section is 10 mm in length and was photographed using incident light.

61

Figure 14.This image shows a 1 cm2 area of sole skin imaged using incident light.

Scales on sole skin revealed In partnership with his father-in-law Joseph Sinel, the zoologist James Hornell set up and ran a “biological station” in Jersey for a few years in the 1890s – a public aquarium and rentable laboratory space for visiting scientists. They also produced slides, mainly showing marine organisms. When Sinel moved on to other business, James Hornell continued to make slides himself, many of which have survived. Figure 14 shows an interesting example.The common sole is a well-known flat fish, usually eaten with the skin removed.This skin has a fascinating structure which on the microscopic level is seen to be a surprisingly regular array of scales, less than 1 mm in size.

Figure 15. Newly hatched seahorse.

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on the male’s abdomen at the base of its tail, where they are fertilized and incubated for up to six weeks before being forcibly ejected into the surrounding water to fend for themselves. The huge numbers being born in this way ensure a viable survival rate, thought to be as low as 0.5%.

Nature’s strongest, toughest material When exploring rock pools on many of our coasts, you will have seen limpets clinging fast to the rocks on which they live.When the tide covers them they can move around, grazing on algae as they move.

Their feeding habit involves the use of a particularly interesting organ – the palate, or ‘tongue’ – an example of which, belonging to a common limpet, is shown in one of the most intriguing of our ‘marine’ slides (Figure 17).

The palate is known as a radula. Being several centimetres in length, this one has been coiled up to fit on the slide, where it reveals an array of sharp teeth. These would be used by the limpet to scrape the algae on which it feeds, from the rock on which it lived. The teeth are formed as a composite of the iron oxide-hydroxide mineral, Figure 16.A male seahorse giving birth. Image credit:“seahorse baby” by jidanchaomian, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Strange role-reversal

goethite, and a protein-rich matrix. Our own RMS member Asa Barber investigated the mechanical properties of limpet palates back in 2015 and was

Another rather odd creature is the seahorse, so-named owing to its remarkable resemblance to a horse. In addition to its strange shape this extraordinary fish, which can grow to around 10 cm in size, has some strange features, especially its breeding habits. When hatched, the young are only about 4 – 5 mm in length, as shown in Figure 15, and at that stage are very vulnerable.

However, they are born in very large numbers, in what is a unique process, shared only with pipefish and sea dragons. In this reversal of roles it is (wait for it…) the male which gets pregnant and incubates the eggs until they hatch! Yes, the female deposits up to two thousand eggs into a special pouch

Figure 17.The palate of a common limpet.

63

astonished to find that the teeth were made of the

any science historian busy, and there may yet be

strongest, toughest known natural material with a

more discoveries to come!

tensile strength of 3 – 6.5 GPa ! (J. Royal Society Interface 12 20141324, 2015.) When the teeth and the tongue eventually wear out they would be continuously replaced.

Concluding remarks It is a real pleasure to continue this exploration of everything that our recently acquired collection of antique microscope slides has to offer. The sheer number of slides, the variety of specimens and

The collection really is a wonderful treasure trove of colour and creativity. It serves both as testament to

the

tremendous

expertise of the early slide as the

mounters, and a

window

into

microscopical

curiosities of the past.

Dr John Hutchison

superb state of preservation are enough to keep

Submit to infocus infocus welcomes submissions of articles of general interest to microscopists.

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Full submission information and guidelines are available at www.infocus.org.uk.

To submit an idea or if you have any questions about the process please email the Editor (editor@infocus.org.uk)

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R E P O RT “Science starts small: Promoting Nanotechnology in Young Minds” by the Nanoscale Function Group 14-15 May 2025 University College Dublin, Dublin (Ireland)

T

he phrase “Science starts small” holds a double meaning for us. At the Nanoscale Function Group, our research is rooted in the study of functional materials at the nanoscale. But beyond our lab work, we believe meaningful scientific impact often begins when curiosity is

sparked early, especially in young minds. With this belief, we hosted a two-day outreach activity on 14th and 15th May 2025 at University College Dublin (UCD), titled “Science Starts Small: Promoting Nanotechnology in Young Minds”. A total of 22 primary school pupils aged 9-12 from St. Nicholas Montessori School, Dublin, participated. Each day ran from 10am to 2pm, filled with a lab tour and interactive classroom activities focused on our core research tool: the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM).

The day began with a chance to get to know each other, followed by a short pre-questionnaire to assess the pupils’ expectations and existing knowledge of the nanoscale. This was followed by a presentation introducing the fundamentals of the AFM and nanoscale physics, using familiar examples

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from nature and materials science. Since the AFM is often described as a “touching microscope”, we designed a series of tactile and visual activities.The first was a matching game in which pupils paired AFM images of, e.g., chocolate, bacteria, insects, etc., with a pool of possible answers. This engaging

challenge offered a first glimpse into the capabilities of nanoscale imaging. After this introduction, the class split into two groups for more focused activities. One group explored our lab to see AFMs in action. We began with a demonstration using a fully functional LEGO-built AFM to explain the mechanics and operational modes. Pupils then observed AFM imaging of samples such as snake

skin using our Asylum Research MFP-3D system, and examined AFM cantilevers under an optical microscope. Complementary activities like cleaving highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) with tape and pipetting onto hydrophobic surfaces made fundamental nanoscale concepts tangible and memorable. Meanwhile, the second group participated in additional hands-on classroom activities. One station featured a “mystery box” challenge, where pupils reached blindly into a box to feel and identify different surface textures.Using only their sense of touch, they were asked to distinguish between properties such as smooth, rough, sticky, hard, and soft.Another popular activity was a LEGO challenge where one pupil built a LEGO structure and hid it inside a box, while their partner attempted

to reconstruct it by feeling the original and building a copy using an identical set of blocks – an analogy for how an AFM constructs images line by line.

During a lunch break, the pupils asked questions about our research, and many expressed a strong interest in science and nanotechnology.Afterwards, we conducted a post-event questionnaire. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive with some pupils describing it as their “favourite school trip of the year”. At the end of the day, each pupil received a certificate of participation along with a goodie box containing UCD-branded stationeries, and 3D-printed models of an AFM cantilever and general physics concepts, such as the Bohr atom model.

Reflecting as a team, we recognised both the challenges and rewards of breaking down complex concepts for a young audience. Explaining the physics behind cantilevers or advanced scan modes demanded creativity and clarity. Seeing pupils engage and learn was deeply fulfilling and has prepared us to communicate science even more effectively in the future – not just to children, but to all audiences.

Special thanks to Drs Waseem Ahmad Wani and Sinny Trivedi for co-organising and initiating this inspiring event. We hope this marks the beginning of many more outreach efforts from the Nanoscale Function Group – because science truly starts small.

Lima Zhou PhD student University College Dublin

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New Member Welcome The Royal Microscopical Society would like to welcome our new members who have joined us in the last three months.We hope they enjoy a long and rewarding membership with the RMS. Miss Lucie Marx Ms Sara Fatima Iain Harley

Professor Lin Wang Mrs Xuemeng Chen Dr Kate Stokes

Dr Narima Eerqing

If you know of anyone who might be interested in becoming a member of the Royal Microscopical Society and if you would like us to contact them, please send their details to our Membership Administrator, Debbie Hunt – debbie@rms.org.uk Application forms are available to download at www.rms.org.uk/membership Don't forget you can now log into the RMS website and check your membership status, renew and download receipts. If you have never logged into the RMS website, please enter the email address that is linked to your membership and then click 'forgotten password'.

If you have any queries or questions about your membership please contact Debbie Hunt debbie@rms.org.uk

Member Profiles Name

Dr John D Howard Tell Us About You? I did my PhD at the University of Sheffield in insect RNAi with chemically modified dsRNA. I've spent the last few years at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine investigating insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes (the principle malaria vector). I've recently returned to the University of Sheffield and have made the jump from insects to algae-bacteria consortia, which I'm trying to use for land/water decontamination, as well as understanding the pathways involved.

Why did you become a member of the RMS? I've used a little bit of microscopy before but my new project utilises it heavily as a tool, as well as there being several side-projects that would benefit from microscopy. Therefore, I wanted to be right in the middle of the microscopy world, hearing about the latest advances in both microscopy itself, as well as the after-the-fact image analysis wizardry!

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How do you feel being an RMS member benefits you?

I'm hoping it's going to provide what seems like a really friendly community to pick of tips from and ask stupid questions of as I finally get to dive deep into the world of modern microscopy.

Name

Dr Kate Stokes Tell Us About You? I recently started as a Product Scientist at Oxford Instruments. My interest in microscopy began during a summer internship while studying Physics (MPhys) at Warwick, working with SEM, EDS, and FIB. I continued developing expertise in SEM, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy during my EngD at Birmingham. Now, I’m excited to apply this experience to support SEM, AFM, and Raman analysis in my new role.

Why did you become a member of the RMS? I am very passionate about microscopy and would like to become more actively involved in the wider microscopy community.

Name

Lin Wang Tell Us About You? A tenured Senior Scientist at the Central Laser Facility (CLF), STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, I also hold concurrent academic appointments as a Professor at Xidian University and an Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. As the CLF's lead for technology development and user operations in super-resolution microscopy, my expertise covers the full research lifecycle.

My research portfolio includes over 40 peer-

I was also heavily involved in science outreach throughout my time in academia, including four years with Discover Materials at the University of Birmingham. I have seen the outreach initiatives led by the RMS and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to similar projects.

How do you feel being an RMS member benefits you?

Having recently completed an EngD and transitioned into a professional role, I see RMS membership as a valuable resource for my career development. Access to workshops, conferences, and a network of experienced microscopists will be instrumental in helping me stay current with advancements in the field and grow within the microscopy community.

reviewed journal publications, 2 book chapters, and 12 patents.

Why did you become a member of the RMS? I became a member to be part of a community that shares my passion for microscopy and its role in advancing scientific understanding.

How do you feel being an RMS member benefits you?

Being an RMS member gives me access to a vibrant community of experts who share knowledge and insights that continuously expand my understanding of microscopy applications.

New corporate member Mel-build Your One-Stop Destination for All Your Research Needs.

We are TEM holder and SEM Stage Maker in JAPAN https://melbuild.com/

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R E P O RT Virtual ‘town hall’ meeting on core facilities attracts huge global audience RMS thanks partners and co-chairs for staging online event

T

he RMS would like to thank all the organisers

and

participants

who

contributed to a highly successful

online event, held at short notice in June.

Titled “Navigating Strategies for Core Facilities 2025:A Town Hall Webinar”, and held in partnership with the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) and Global BioImaging, this was a free and open forum to discuss how core facilities can thrive in today’s challenging and ever-evolving funding environment.

Despite limited time for planning and promotion, the three-hour meeting attracted an impressive 270 participants from a host of different countries spanning five different continents.

The idea for the event grew out of a conversation between RMS President Peter O’Toole and Page Baluch of Arizona State University on an email ‘list serv’ for confocal microscopy.

Pete recalls: “An open question was initially posed

by Page, on how colleagues were dealing with the rapid changes in purchase prices for equipment, coupled with the loss of grant funding. It was clear that these sorts of challenges are affecting people right across the global microscopy community, so why not throw this open to a public forum? - to see what solutions might be out there for navigating these financial pressures.”

and share their experiences in a supportive and friendly environment.

Pete says: “Everyone really entered into the collaborative spirit, and we had some great contributions from participants. I certainly learned a few things from the ideas and examples people were giving, and I’m sure it was the same for everyone else.”

He adds: “It was just a great example of our international community pulling together and doing something really impactful at short notice – something that has hopefully given colleagues around the world some practical help as well as a bit of a morale-boost.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to the Microscopy Society of America and Global BioImaging, as well as each of the co-hosts who really stepped up to the plate to deliver this event; Michelle Itano, Page Baluch, Kirk Czymmek, Paul Voyles, Andy Stone and Johanna Bischoff.

“I’d also like to thank the RMS staff for facilitating the webinar at the busiest time of the year for them, in the run-up to mmc2025.”

Although the meeting was not recorded, those who attended can access a number of presentation slides and helpful links contributed by participants in the group ‘chat’ during the meeting.

Within just a few days, a number of co-chairs had enthusiastically stepped forward to oversee the meeting, which covered topics including: • Demonstrating and Defending the Impact of Core Facilities • Smart Budgeting: Planning and Maximising Resources • Future-Proofing: Best Practices for Sustainable Success Importantly, it was agreed the meeting would not be recorded, to enable participants to talk freely

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‘Globe’ image by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash ‘laptop’ image

by Fabian Irsara on Unsplash.

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Introducing the RMS Flow Cytometry Section

F

ormed in 1988, the Flow Cytometry Section is made up of a cross section of cytometrists representing research, clinical and industrial aspects of flow cytometry.

The Committee acts as a point of contact for information and advice, supporting RMS members and the wider cytometry community with a series of meetings, courses and workshops throughout the year. It is also recognised by the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) as an ‘Associated Society’.

The Committee oversees several well-established meetings, including the annual Flow Facilities Meeting and FlowcytometryUK. It also organises an annual, week-long course aimed at beginners and those who want to expand their knowledge of flow cytometry.

In addition, several one-day, focussed meetings are organised when appropriate, on subjects such as data analysis, cell sorting, and DNA analysis by flow cytometry.

The Flow Cytometry Award is awarded once every two years at the FlowcytometryUK meeting, in order to celebrate outstanding work applying cytometric techniques in the field of immunology or cell biology. The medal is open to applicants worldwide who have been engaged in independent research for less than 10 years, or are in a tenured academic, or clinical, support role.

Anyone working in the field of cytometry is welcome to come forward with ideas for courses and you are encouraged to contact the section Committee if you would like to help!

Name: Yanping Guo (Flow Cytometry Section Chair)

flow and mass cytometry in basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. I’m particularly interested

Affiliation: UCL Cancer Institute

in exploring heterogeneity in cancer, the tumour microenvironment, and immune responses to

Flow cytometry

disease.

interests: I

manage

the

flow

Beyond technical expertise, I am passionate about

facility

at

training a new generation of scientists and deeply

Institute,

committed to ensuring every user gets the best

daily

possible outcome, from personalised training

operations and providing

to troubleshooting. I also take pride in securing

cytometry UCL

Cancer

overseeing

tailored support to our diverse user base. My research passion centres around the application of

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cutting-edge instruments for our facility.

and method development of cell sorting and cytometry analysis. I have the privilege of working with an amazing team. It is a fantastic job - so varied - working with researchers and all kinds of samples from within the University and beyond - recently including Uganda, Kenya, Sudan and Ethiopia. I am a co-organizer (and tutor) on flow cytometry courses - Hands-on and Virtual - and was awarded the RMS medal for Flow Cytometry in 2016. I am currently What I like doing when I’m not doing cytometry: When I’m not immersed in the world of flow cytometry, you’ll often find me experimenting in the kitchen, where I love creating new dishes and exploring different flavours. I also have a soft spot for watching videos of cute animals, which never fail to brighten my day. One of my greatest joys is working with guide dogs (Ron

the Vice Chair of the RMS Flow Cytometry section and look forward to the times ahead with Yanping as the Section Chair.

What I like doing when I’m not doing cytometry: In my spare time I support local schools as a Governor and I love to run, walk and cycle on the North York Moors with family and friends - so if you are in the area let me know.

and David - pictured) in training, and I’m excited to welcome my third guide dog trainee into my home, in the near future, continuing this meaningful journey of supporting these incredible animals.

Name: Barry Moran (Flow Cytometry Section Deputy Chair) Affiliation: Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Name: Karen Hogg (Flow Cytometry Vice Chair)

Flow cytometry

Affiliation: York University

Following a few years as a researcher in San Diego

Flow cytometry

after my Masters, I was

interests: I was hooked on science as

an

undergraduate

when I was introduced to parasitology, I then became

fascinated

interests:

by

immunology and was able to combine the two for a PhD with malaria vaccine research and a postdoc looking at skin responses to schistosomiasis.

looking for opportunities to

return

to

Ireland

outside of classic lab research. I saw the emergence of core facilities in the US so when I had the chance to set up the Flow Cytometry Facility in Trinity College Dublin, I jumped! It has proven a really enjoyable career choice that has given me many new avenues, including creating a thriving technology hub, teaching & training students and researchers,

In 2003 I was enticed by the scope of a job at the

collaborating with brilliant groups studying immune

newly created Bioscience Technology Facility in

disease, infection and cancer, as well as doing my own

Imaging & cytometry (I&C) and I have never looked

research and undertaking a part-time PhD.Applying

back - I am now a Senior Experimental Officer - my

cytometry and complementary technologies to

role is to underpin the scientific service within I&C

add some value in understanding the immune

as well as take a lead role in the research, operation

dysfunction underpinning the very debilitating skin

73

disease hidradenitis suppurativa has been a highlight.

Having been recently appointed as Director of Research Technology in the School, I can now sink

instrumentation, improved

data

analysis

and

applications in new fields including microbiology and marine biology.

my teeth into more strategic operations on how

These advancements have significantly broadened

we can improve research infrastructure, funding

the scope and impact of flow cytometry in scientific

and support to better facilitate our world-class

research and clinical applications and enabled me

research.

to support an ever-growing network of scientists

What I like doing when I’m not doing

across the UK and Europe.

flow cytometry: While I love playing music,

What I like to do when I’m not doing flow

tennis, football and running, much of my free time

cytometry: My biggest passion is spending time

now is taken up running after our two young kids!

in the great outdoors with my husband and dogs.

Come rain or shine, when the weekend comes, you will find us hiking up mountains, swimming in lakes

Name: Bev Goward

and basking in the tranquillity of nature.

Affiliation: Sony Biotechnology, a division of Sony Europe B.V.

Name: Rajeev Gupta

Flow cytometry interests: Flow

Cytometry

has

been part of my life for

Affiliation: UCL Cancer institute, University College London Hospitals and HSL Pathology Limited Flow cytometry

over 20 years. It all began during my post-doctoral

interests:

research

I am a stem cell biologist

at

Imperial

College investigating the role of Natural Killer cells

in

in unexplained recurrent miscarriage. In 2005 I left

Institute,

the bench to begin a sales career in life sciences,

Haematologist

with a focus on providing flow cytometry solutions

University College London

for the scientific community.

Hospitals and the Clinical

During this time, I have witnessed the significant advancement in technology, transforming it into a powerful and versatile tool for scientific research, beyond phenotyping of immune cell populations.

Key changes include increased multiparameter capabilities, enhanced sensitivity and precision, spectral flow cytometry, smaller, more portable

the

UCL a

Cancer

Consultant at

Director for Haematology at HSL Pathology Ltd. I studied genetics and medicine at Leeds, after which I undertook my PhD research in developmental biology at NIMR Mill Hill. It was there that I became interested in haematopoiesis, and so decided to train as a clinical haematologist. I was first exposed to flow cytometry as a junior doctor, but it was only as a post-doc working on haematopoietic stem cell biology first at The Chester Beatty Laboratories then later at the Weatherall Institute in Oxford that I could really get my hands dirty. Now, one of my key roles is to run the flow cytometry laboratory at HSL, where we provide clinically validated

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multiparameter

immunophenotyping

tests for patients with haematological cancers and

for all things high dimensional in flow cytometry

immunological disorders. Most patients are from

field. However, I was finding commercial based

the NHS and private medical sectors in the UK,

data analysis solutions were not quite answering

but we also work with commercial clinical research

the questions I wanted to ask. Therefore, I started

organisations around the world. In 2024 we ran

on the journey of learning R and applying that to

over 10000 individual assays using a bespoke suite

flow cytometry data. In 2019, I was made Deputy

of customised lyophilised antibody panels. HSL also

of the STP, where my remit covers high dimensional

sponsors research in the UCL Cancer Institute,

flow cytometry and imaging, Health and Safety and

where we are using spatial transcriptomics to

looking after the high containment CL3 facility.

discover new clinically relevant biomarkers for

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow

haematological malignancies.

cytometry? I love computer gaming, reading

What I like doing when I’m not doing

fantasy and science-fiction books and walking.

flow cytometry: Hanging out with my wife and family, making and drinking cocktails, playing with 35mm film cameras and avidly supporting my

Name: Andrea Holme

beloved Liverpool FC.

Affiliation: Francis Crick Institute Flow cytometry interests:

Name: Phil Hobson

I am the Deputy Head of

Affiliation: Francis Crick Institute

Flow Cytometry at the

Flow cytometry

Francis

interests:

in London. Early in my

I’m currently a Deputy

career, I was honoured

Head

of

Institute

Flow

to be selected as an

Science

ISAC Marylou Ingram Scholar, and I am pleased

Technology Platform at

to be a member of the RMS Flow Committee.

the Crick. I started in

My experiences across multiple countries have

2014, coming from a post-doctoral position, to

shown me that the cytometry community is

the flow cytometry facility at Mill Hill’s National

knowledgeable, supportive, and inclusive. It is an

Institute of Medical Research. I learned how to

exciting time to leverage advanced technologies and

run the jet in the air sorters we had, the Mo-flo

new applications to drive significant breakthroughs

XDPs, and the Influx. At that time we got one of

in research.

the first 30 parameter Fortessas, later rebranded

What I like doing when I’m not doing

Cytometry

the

Crick

the Symphony, and my love with high dimensional panels and data analysis was born. In 2016, with Mill Hill merging with the Cancer Research Institute at

flow cytometry: Traveling, reading, pottery (very badly)

Lincoln’s Inn Fields to form the Crick, we moved to St Pancras. I was given the opportunity to run the newly purchased Mass Cytometers for both

Name: Katy Moffat

solution based and imaging based approaches.

Affiliation: The Pirbright Institute

Setting up the workflows for these machines and

Flow Cytometry interests:

then designing both imaging and solution based

I run the flow cytometry facility at the Pirbright

data analysis pipelines really cemented my love

Institute, Surrey. Our core facility has cell sorters

75

facility and is used for non-infectious samples – usually for T and B cell panels. I enjoy the challenge of working with researchers to help develop and troubleshoot flow panels for different species; our researchers are working with tissues and cells from farm animals and are limited by the choice of antibodies (and fluorophore combinations) available for different cell receptors. We also have research groups creating recombinant viruses as vaccine candidates and I have spent the past few years with these groups optimising methods and conditions for isolating recombinant viruses with our cell and flow analysers in high and low containment

sorters to reduce production time. I spend a lot of

buildings, and we are a research facility specifically

time training users on our analysers and sorters and

designed for the study of veterinary and zoonotic

troubleshooting instruments and enjoy this aspect

pathogens. The photo is of me with our trusty old

of my work too.

BD FACS Aria U3 which is now 18 years old and

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow

is still the cell sorter of choice for many of our users. This instrument sits in the low containment

cytometry: I have three border collies and I love taking them out hiking. We normally go to NW Scotland for one or two weeks per year and bag some munros. My main passion is dog agility. Rosie (tricolour)

and Jack (chocolate and white) run

at Grade 7 and Champ and my young one, Mollie (black and white), is one win away from Grade 6. I am chairperson of our local agility club and I design and build agility courses and teach agility on a Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I hope to take my Kennel Club judging exam next January, with the aim of judging KC events next year – giving back to the agility community. I often compete during the summer months at the weekends.

Name: Radhika Patel Affiliation: AstraZeneca Flow

Cytometry

Interests: My career in flow

cytometry

began

when I was offered the opportunity to join the flow and light microscopy hub at the ICR. From

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there, I progressed to manage one of the flow hubs

Name: Hilary Sandig

at Imperial College (Paddington) for two years

Affiliation: Cancer Research Horizons

before joining the Cambridge flow cytometry hub at AstraZeneca as a Senior scientist in 2022.

Flow

I am a strong advocate for the use of flow cytometry

interests:

cytometry As

an

beyond immunology. Recognising its significant

immunologist,

contributions throughout the drug development

cytometry is my bread

and discovery pipelines, including target discovery,

and butter. I am currently

validation, and drug screening. My projects have

working in the oncology

flow

ranged from organoids and complex cellular

field as a Group Leader at

models to detecting nanoparticles. Additionally, I

Cancer Research Horizons, the translational arm of

have expertise in high-dimensional flow cytometry

CRUK, where we drive drug discovery projects

panels for immunology screens, and I am focused on

both internally and with academic and industry

setting up automated workflows across all aspects

partners. Previously, I have used flow cytometry as a

of flow cytometry.

tool to investigate the immune response in allergy

The robustness and power of flow cytometry at single-cell resolution inspire and motivate me in my

and inflammation whilst working in academia and in industry.

work. I am dedicated to continuous learning and

At CRH, we use flow cytometry every day as a key

enjoy collaborating with other scientists to develop

readout for assays with immune cells and tumour

novel technologies and approaches to interrogate

cells, and sorting by flow cytometry is used, for

cell biology.

example, to generate modified cell lines for target

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow

validation or screening.

cytometry: I enjoy baking and love to relax with

Flow cytometry is a fast-moving field. The

a jigsaw puzzle and a cup of tea while half watching

instrumentation and reagents have developed to

TV. I have a passion for traveling and sampling local

a point that experiments being performed today

cuisine.

would have been beyond my widest dreams as a PhD student. When I first learnt flow cytometry, many instruments had only one laser and we were struggling to combine three antibodies, whereas today instruments with five lasers are commonplace and samples can be stained with 20+ antibodies.

At CRH, we use state-of-the-art flow cytometry technology to deeply phenotype the immune cells which infiltrate human tumours. These studies help us to understand which immune cells within tumours express our drug targets and at what levels.

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow cytometry: I like being outdoors, being active, and reading fiction.

77

Name: Dr Steven Servin Affiliation: FlowSRL at the University of Warwick Flow

cytometry

interests: I’m Dr Steven Servin,

the

Flow

Cytometry Specialist at the

University

of

Warwick’s School of Life Sciences. I’ve been in this role for three years and was a co-founder of the flow cytometry facility at Warwick. Before that, I was a postdoctoral researcher with Professor John McCarthy, studying biological noise. My journey at Warwick began with my PhD, having moved to the UK from Mexico in 2016.

In Mexico, both my undergraduate and master’s research focused on microRNA’s involvement in cervical cancer—that’s also where I first

tree of life. Sometimes, I even work with samples on the fringe of life—such as viruses—or entirely non-organic artificial particles.

encountered a cytometer. I used to call it “the

There’s never a dull week in this job. One day, I

Totem” because it was a massive LSR. During my

might be analysing tuberculosis, chloroplasts, or

PhD in synthetic biology,flow cytometry became my

marine samples; the next, I could be collaborating

most indispensable tool. In those days, my BD LSR

with external industrial partners or planning

Fortessa, affectionately named Tessa, and I became

our lab’s next five-year budget to ensure its

inseparable—little did I know that our partnership

continued success. The diversity of challenges and

would continue far beyond my PhD.

opportunities makes this role both dynamic and

I initially joined my current position as a general

incredibly rewarding.

technician, maintaining the Fortessa, a FACS Aria,

What I like doing when I’m not doing

and other instruments belonging to the Warwick

flow cytometry: On my spare time I like to

Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre (WISB).When

listen to soundtracks, jazz and audiobooks whilst

the grant for this initiative ended, my manager, Dr.

painting miniatures. I love Dungeons and Dragons;

Sarah Bennett, and I spearheaded the development

I’m a DM and play a level 18 wizard! I love fossils

of a resource-sharing facility, leading to the creation

and I’m trying to learn cuneiform to eventually be

of the Bio Analytical Shared Resources Laboratories

able to read ancient clay tablets (gossip from the

(BioSRL). Together, we co-led and successfully

past).

secured a UKRI ALERT bid, which enabled us to acquire the UK’s most advanced ImageStream.

The combination of imaging cytometry and the career. I specialise in working with non-conventional

Affiliation: Synnovis – Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

samples for flow cytometry, and in an average week,

Flow cytometry interests: I’m a Specialist

I analyse at least three different branches of the

Biomedical

unique nature of SLS’s samples has shaped my

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Name: Pruntha Yoganathan

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Scientist

at

Synnovis,

applying

flow

to

ensure the production of a high-quality pathology

diagnose and monitor

service. I’m especially passionate about improving

blood as

cytometry cancers

such

patient outcomes through optimising panel design,

leukaemia

and

driving

lymphoma,

including

CD19 monitoring for Rituximab therapy, as well as platelet testing for bleeding disorders.

assay

reproducibility, and

supporting

education within the cytometry field.

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow cytometry: Outside the lab, I love exploring new places and experiences.Travelling is a big passion of mine, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an

While studying Biomedical Science, I developed

opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture in

an interest in flow cytometry through my

another country.Closer to home,I enjoy discovering

undergraduate dissertation on how short-chain

London’s diverse food spots to inspire me to create

fatty acids influence T-cell cytokine responses. I

new recipes in my own kitchen. I also enjoy painting

graduated during the early days of the COVID-19

and visiting art galleries in my free time.

pandemic, when many of the opportunities I’d hoped to pursue were suddenly out of reach!

That moment shifted my career focus onto what

Name: Jennifer Cassels

mattered to me the most, being in the lab and

Affiliation: University of Glasgow

contributing to patient care through impactful bench work.

Flow

cytometry

interests: Like most

Drawn to both haematology and flow cytometry,

cytometrists, I stumbled

I began my career as an Associate Practitioner

into the world of flow

in the Immunophenotyping Department at The

cytometry

Royal Marsden, where I built a strong foundation

when I was (not so)

in

haematological

gently encouraged to

malignancies. I went on to complete my IBMS

apply for a position at

registration

the

integrated

diagnostics

for

in

2010

Paul

O’Gorman

experience in sample set up and processing of up

Leukeamia

Research

to 13 colour panels for diagnostic interpretation.

Centre (POG), which

I also worked with BC DxFLEX cytometer and

is a part of the School of Cancer Sciences, as a

CellMek sample preparation systems, exposing

Flow Cytometry and Cell Processing Technician.

me to the growing role

Having only really heard the terminology used

of automation in flow

in undergraduate immunology lectures, I was

cytometry.

beyond surprised to get the position but am

At

portfolio

Synnovis,

I’m

involved in both sample preparation and data analysis

for

clinical

reporting. I collaborate closely with scientists and

consultant

haematologists

to

and

gained

hands-on

eternally grateful for being pushed to apply – I definitely found my thing! Fast forward to 2025 and I am now running the Cancer Sciences Flow Cytometry Facility which captures users from POG, the Wolfson Whol Cancer Research Centre and the CRUK Scotland Institute, looking after 8 instruments instead of 2 and generally have flow on the brain most of the time. We have a large and diverse user base who never fail to challenge us. I

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in flow and mass cytometry, my expertise spans immunology, cancer biology, and stem cell research.

I walked pass postdoctoral careers, and two years as lecturer in the far east, prior to my current management role here in Liverpool.

I am deeply committed to cytometry education and training. Drawing on my lecturing background, I initiated and solely lead a rolling quarterly Flow Cytometry Course at the University of Liverpool. love teaching and training users of all levels and am highly motivated to support each and every user to get the best possible outcomes from their flow cytometry. My early days at POG have given me a strong expertise in hematopoietic stem cells and leukaemias, and also the processing and handling of

Open to staff and students both locally and regionally, the course includes two lectures and a practical session each round. It has successfully promoted cytometry adoption in researches, expanded our user base, and strengthened institutional ties, also benefiting over 150 postgraduate and staff to date.

these incredibly precious patient samples.

I

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow

developers in the field, including the implementation

cytometry: I love to go walks with my partner and our labrador, Dexter; the Scottish countryside is closer to the city than you realise and, when the weather behaves, beautiful. I love to bake (baking is science right?) and to keep fit, I CrossFit. I have

actively

collaborate

with

new

technology

new technology such as label-free cytometry into my core. I also explore collaborative opportunities to pilot new technologies and extend support to interdisciplinary projects, including organoid development with the School of Engineering.

taken part in competitions in the past, but nowadays

My collaborative reach spans institutions across the

it's more about health and fitness than keeping up

UK, including Lancaster, Keele, Dundee, Edge Hill,

with the youngsters.

and Manchester. I am engaged in grant development and contribute to the scientific community as a peer reviewer for nine journals, including BMC

Name: Christopher Law

Cancer, Scientific Reports, Discover Oncology, Pharmacological Reports.

Affiliation: University of Liverpool Flow

cytometry

interests: I am the Manager of Cell Sorting Mass

Cytometry,

LivSRF, University

of

Liverpool,

I

where

oversee and manage the core comprising eight instruments and support over 400 users across the university and nearby institutions, including LSTM and LJMU.With over 22 years of experience

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

What I like doing when I’m not doing flow cytometry I have a great passion for church involvement, management and planting. I am Director of my church, the Manchester Alliance Church, a registered charity with a congregation size of 2400 people. I am a Lead Vocal in worship. I am passionate in writing Christianity articles, serving as the Editor of my church’s quarterly magazine, “Lux Ecclesiae”. I am also Trustee of the Chinese Alliance Churches Union, overseeing 12 member churches in the country of this denomination. Separately, I love reading too, in particular history books.

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NEWS

From the RMS President Dear readers, Time certainly seems to be flying this year with so much going on at the RMS, and it’s hard to believe our September issue of infocus Magazine is already here.

I’d like to begin by reflecting on what was a truly memorable Microscience Microscopy Congress 2025 (mmc2025), which took place in Manchester during the first week of July.It really was a superb turnout for our flagship event, with attendance numbers for both delegates and exhibitors rivaling the record figures we saw in 2023 – despite the challenging financial circumstances facing many within both academia and industry. It just goes to show how valued mmc is an event, and how it always manages to bring people together.

A huge amount of credit needs to go to the scientific organisers, who ensured that this year’s content was absolutely stellar, and also to our commercial sponsors for all their support. From our amazing plenary talks and conference sessions, to the satellite meetings, workshops and scientific posters, all our speakers and presenters brought their ‘A-game’ along with them, and it was great to see.You can read more and, if you were there, relive some of the best moments in our picture special on page 4. I’d like to thank everyone for continuing to support this great event.

Back in June we held a series of successful courses, covering Electron Microscopy, Light Microscopy, and how to ‘Get The Most’ from your confocal.

Once again it was really heartening to see these so well attended, and the feedback we have received has been excellent. On a less positive note, our upcoming Flow Cytometry Course has unfortunately had to be cancelled for the first time ever, due to low uptake, which is perhaps an indication of the financial pinch starting to be felt – though we plan to return with a bang next year, when, fingers crossed, we might also start to see an improving picture for university budgets.

Dr Peter O'Toole.

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June also provided a great example of how the RMS is able to respond, at very short notice, to demand within the microscopy and wider science community.

Working in partnership with the Microscopy Society of America and Global BioImaging, we hosted a hugely successful virtual meeting, titled “Navigating Strategies for Core Facilities 2025: A Town Hall Webinar”. This was a free and open forum to discuss how core facilities can thrive in today’s challenging and everevolving funding environment. Despite having just a couple of weeks to set this up, and with planning for mmc2025 in full flow, we managed to stage a threehour, online event for around 270 people logging on from a host of different countries spanning five continents. I’d like to give my sincere thanks to all the co-chairs of this meeting who stepped in from several different countries at such short notice to deliver a much-needed and hopefully morale-boosting event for our global community. We hope to welcome a similarly large and international audience when we host our third ever Virtual European Flow Core Meeting in early December.This will provide a great opportunity to address common issues, themes and circumstances across Europe, and I look forward to catching up with friends and colleagues from across the continent.

Finally, with both university and school terms soon to get restarted, I’d like to say a few words about our ongoing outreach and education activities – including the portable SEM scheme for secondary schools and other settings, which has been superbly developed by RMS Outreach and Education Committee members Alex Ball and James Perkins.More than 15,000 students and teachers have now benefitted from this initiative, and I look forward to many more experiencing the wonder of electron microscopy in the near future.

Meanwhile our Microscope Activity Kits will be winging their way to a new batch of primary schools, providing ‘wow’ moments to hundreds more children as they examine their first ever samples.

My very best wishes to all RMS members and the wider microscopy, Imaging and Flow Cytometry communities.

Peter O’Toole, RMS President

RMS and Global BioImaging (GBI) launch ‘Acknowledgement Guidelines’ campaign Organisations join forces to boost worldwide recognition of Imaging Scientists

An international project to highlight research contributions made by imaging scientists in supporting roles has been launched by the RMS and Global BioImaging (GBI).

The organisations have joined forces to produce an accessible poster setting out clear acknowledgement guidance for researchers and institutions assigning authorship in publications.

The advice is intended as a ‘gold standard’ resource to help ensure facility staff and imaging scientists

– who are often left unacknowledged despite contributing to many aspects of research - get the credit they deserve. It is also aimed at helping strengthen the case for sustained investment in imaging infrastructure and staffing.

Imaging facilities across the world have been downloading and printing the poster, and displaying it prominently in the workplace. As part of a social media campaign, staff proudly shared photos of themselves with the poster, to help raise awareness

83

and encourage others to do likewise (see images below).

The resource has also been translated into 10 different languages and counting, to maximise accessibility across the global imaging community.

Collaborative working

The campaign is the first major initiative undertaken jointly by the RMS and GBI, as the organisations seek new opportunities to advocate for imaging professionals, expand global networks, and promote best practices across the field.

RMS President Peter O’Toole said: “This initiative is a really exciting milestone in our shared mission to strengthen the global imaging community. The collaboration brings together the RMS’s long-standing leadership in microscopy and GBI’s worldwide network of imaging infrastructures and communities to advance imaging science on a global scale.”

He added: “We want to spread the word about this great new resource and hope that as many imaging facilities as possible across the international community are able to make use of it.”

Strategic Alliances Manager for GBI,Yara Reis added: “These guidelines address a persistent and widespread issue in science - namely the under-recognition of imaging facility staff and imaging scientists in support roles. Imaging scientists are often indispensable to both research and diagnostics—contributing to experimental design, method development, sample preparation, data interpretation, teaching, and even manuscript writing.

“Despite their central role, they are too often left unacknowledged in scientific publications, or incorrectly omitted from authorship. This lack of visibility not only hinders their career progression and professional recognition, but also makes it harder to demonstrate the value of these roles to institutions, funders, and governments.”

Project history

The Acknowledgement Guidelines were originally drafted by Natasha Stephens following discussions with the RMS EM-UKI community and transformed into a clear, accessible poster by a BioImagingUK working group, including Jemima Burden, Maddy Parsons, Jessica Valli, and Daniel Soong.

Download the poster

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Charlotte Clews took part in the mentoring scheme when it was first piloted.

Read more

New applicants for RMS Mentoring scheme The latest round of applications for the RMS Application Coaching and Personal Mentoring Scheme was a great success, with a further 13 prospective ‘mentees’ coming forward.

The scheme, which is designed to support career development and the unique roles specific to microscopy, imaging and flow cytometry, has now attracted 77 applicants since it was first piloted in 2023.

The next round of ‘pairing’ for mentees and mentors will be taking place in March 2026.

Two different tracks of the scheme are offered - one to tackle soft skill development (personal mentoring) and the other for hard/technical skills (application coaching). Both are aimed at peer-to-peer support - importantly not replacing project supervisory roles.

It is hoped that both mentees and mentors can benefit from the relationship, finding it rewarding and useful for career development.

Find out more

R E P O RT

Edinburgh Science Festival

T

he School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh hosted the public engagement event “Nature’s Architecture” at the Edinburgh Science Festival on 14 April, 2025. The event was organised by Professor Fabio Nudelman and Dr Jenny Gracie (both School of

Chemistry, University of Edinburgh) and Dr Fraser Laidlaw (School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh). skeletons, and ultimately enable animals to survive.

The event included lectures on electron microscopy and biomineralisation, and a hands-on activity using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The event was limited to 20 tickets because of the lab activity, and we were fully booked!

Feedback from the event has been great, with participants particularly enjoying getting ‘hands on’ with the electron microscope, getting to see the experiments in action, and understanding how they apply to science and industry through the combination of our talk and practical experiments.

We are grateful to the Royal Microscopical Society for kindly lending their light microscopy activity kit We were delighted to welcome members of the

and to Kamila Melicherikova and Rana Abdullah

public to discover how the microstructure of shells

(PhD students in the Nudelman group) for the lab

and bones determines the strength and resilience of

demonstration!

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R E P O RT

Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2025 Liverpool, United Kingdom 31 March – 03 April

T

he Microbiology Society held its 80th annual conference from the 31st of March to the 3rd of April 2025 at the ACC Liverpool, United Kingdom. This year’s conference contained over 70 sessions, covering a diverse range of topics from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research. It welcomed over 1,700 attendees presenting over 1,200 abstracts, and it was such an exciting opportunity for me to attend this conference as an undergraduate student. channels for better antibiotic delivery to help ease the burden of AMR. My presentation was met with friendly discussion and many great questions about my study, and it was very nice meeting people interested in my work.

Each day of the conference featured at least one prize lecture delivered to all attendees, covering a broad range of topics. I particularly enjoyed the talk delivered by Prof Richard Lenski, which focused on his long-term E. coli evolution experiment, where he and his team tracked 12 bacterial populations over 30 years and 75,000 generations. Furthermore, each day consisted of several concurrent sessions, and attendees were free to move between each session to attend the talks most relevant to their interests.

I spent my time at the conference attending talks from almost every session and broadened my knowledge on many multidisciplinary topics.

I attended this conference after submitting an abstract to present the work I did as a summer student supported by an RMS Studentship. My poster presentation focused on the use of the Mesolens (a giant objective capable of delivering high resolution at low magnification) to quantitatively track the uptake of fluorescent antibiotics in Escherichia coli biofilms. My study demonstrated a potential for manipulating E. coli nutrient transport

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In terms of social events, there were various networking opportunities, including an early career social hosted on the first night, where I was able to socialise with other researchers at similar career stages. This event was particularly appealing to me as an undergraduate, and I was able to get a better idea of what a career in research looks like.

Other events were held on each night of the conference, presenting ample opportunities for networking and socialisation.

The welcoming atmosphere and friendliness of attendees and organisers has made this experience extremely enjoyable and helped me feel part of the community.

I would like to thank the Royal Microscopical Society, the Microbiology Society, and the University of Strathclyde for financially supporting my attendance at this conference.

Ash Eana University of Strathclyde

In Memoriam Laurence Tetley 1950 - 2025

L

aurence Tetley, who recently passed away, was a distinguished microscopist with a long career dedicated to parasitology at the University of Glasgow.

He was a leading expert in electron microscopy, a technique that significantly

advanced our understanding of cell biology in various parasites, especially trypanosomes and their related species.

Laurence worked closely with the eminent parasitologist Keith Vickerman, who supervised his PhD work. He contributed to understanding the variable surface coat which enables African trypanosomes to evade the host immune system, causing sleeping sickness across much of sub-

Saharan Africa.Throughout his subsequent academic career, as the microscopy expert in a leading group of parasitology researchers, Laurence imaged parasites from schistosomes to Theileria and made diverse contributions as a result. Laurence was first and foremost a technologist, building, modifying and repairing instrumentation, and working closely with academic colleagues and industry collaborators to develop novel techniques and applications for electron microscopy.

Laurence primarily exploited transmission electron microscopy, a technique in which a beam of electrons is transmitted through a sample to form an image which can be magnified and captured.

The sample is fixed, stained and sliced into thin sections for imaging.The wavelength of an electron beam is much shorter than that of light so electron microscopy enables much higher imaging resolution, sufficient to detect molecules and atoms. Brought to bear on parasites, Laurence was able to visualise membranes and organelles such as nucleus and microbodies. His work captured images of parasite surfaces, subcellular structures and interactions with host cells, and advanced understanding of how parasites multiply, interact with their hosts and cause pathology.The requirement to fix and stain samples prior to electron microscopy introduces many possibilities for artifactual changes in the sample structure, and one of Laurence’s key attributes was to exercise caution in the interpretation of electron micrographs. He was frequently the first to apply new approaches to parasitology questions and his careful and thorough work advanced many aspects of parasitology.

Laurence was a dedicated colleague and a longstanding member of the Royal Microscopical Society, as well as a stalwart of the Scottish Microscopy Society. He consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage with others and was often available to review electron micrographs—a collection accumulated before the digital era and stored in numerous file boxes within his cluttered office. Many of these discussions would naturally continue informally over drinks in the evening, as Laurence was a garrulous and humorous friend to many.

Dr Richard Burchmore (University of Glasgow)

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Microscopic meteorites: Art, science and stories from space

By Lorelei Robertson, University of Nottingham

Microscopic meteorites is an art exhibition recently created by Dr Luke Norman and myself, to show the public the wonders of meteorites at the microscale, as well as (hopefully) educating them about space and space rocks at the same time.

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The rest of this article needs to be prefaced with a warning: I am not a planetary

scientist.

I’m

an

imaging

scientist by trade, a geologist by training, and a space lover by nature. Until this project

I’ve

had

limited

experience

working with meteorites. One week in my master’s year analytical techniques module (coincidentally the module that introduced me to the world of Scanning Electron Microscopy) and mounting them into resin blocks for other colleagues to analyse these extra-terrestrial marvels.

However, when a colleague - Luke Norman, our

Figure 1. Microscopic meteorites logo.

Knowledge Exchange Fellow and outreach wizard

So, armed with three meteorites: NWA10203

- announced he’d bought a few meteorites and

(Lunar), NWA2949 (Vesta), NWA4766 (Martian),

secured funding to produce an art exhibition as part

and two samples from Cretaceous-Paleogene

a collection of outreach events dubbed ‘Summer of

boundary rocks, I went on my way to prepare and

Space’, and was asking for someone to analyse and

analyse these samples, with one question constantly

image these meteorites, the answer had to be yes.

on my mind: How can planetary science become art and an educational tool for the public?

Figure 2. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy elemental overlay map of the K-Pg boundary rocks from Red Deer Valley, Canada.

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Figure 3. False coloured back scattered electron image of the Vesta meteorite NWA294.

Any geologist or planetary scientist can attest to

well as chemical analysis using Oxford Instruments’

this: scientific images of rocks, extra-terrestrial or

energy dispersive spectroscopy detector.Additional

not, can be beautiful, whether under an optical

analysis for automated chemical analysis was

microscope or in an electron microscope. You’re

undertaken on the meteorite samples, on a FEI

almost guaranteed to find these images scattered

Q600 SEM, and FEI Mineral Liberation analyser

around different offices, labs or computer desktop

software.The boundary samples were also analysed

backgrounds of anyone that works with them.

using Oxford Instruments’ Wavelength Dispersive

So, trying to create beautiful pieces of art was

spectrometer on a JEOL 6490 LV SEM.

not going to be the main issue here; they would almost certainly create themselves. Finding a way to connect these images in a way that would also teach the public about meteorites? That was going to be more challenging.

How the samples were analysed

Some of the back scatter images were then false coloured to increase their visual aesthetic. Colour images are almost always more eye catching than black and white versions.

The samples had lots to show us, and there was much we could learn from them; even to a welltrained geologist this would be a lot to take in and

The small pieces of meteorite and boundary

would require a lot of work to understand. Our

samples were all mounted into resin blocks and

audience would include people that had never seen

polished flat, to provide a nice flat surface for

SEM images before, let alone EDS maps that detail

analysis.All the samples were analysed in a JEOL IT-

the microscopic chemical changes in a sample. So,

200 SEM, using back scattered electron imaging, as

to keep it more manageable, only one major point

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Figure 4. Energy dispersive spectroscopy elemental overlay map of a zoned pyroxene mineral grain from the lunar meteorite NWA10203.

was focused on for each sample, to help keep the

can only be found during meteorite impacts. So,

brain overload to a minimum.

using this material, scientists can prove that a

Martian How can we say that rocks that have been classified as meteorites have originated from space, and they

a meteorite impact site), or has been formed due to a meteorite impact.

aren’t just earth rocks? Their composition can tell

Lunar

us a lot about where a sample has originated from,

Once a meteorite has been classified, and its origin

especially with the presence of certain minerals. In

determined (which is a whole fascinating topic

the case of the Martian meteorite NWA 4766, it

in itself) it can start to be analysed to figure out

can be proven that this is not from earth due to the

which type of environments it has been subjected

presence of Maskelynite, which makes up 20 % of

to. Rocks and minerals also hold memories; of how

the area of the sample.

they were formed or what other environments they

Maskelynite is a glassy feldspar ‘mineral’ that is formed in some meteorites and meteorite impact craters. It forms when feldspar grains are turned

92

sample is either a meteorite (that was once part of

have been subjected to throughout their journey to get to Earth, and the lunar sample NWA 10203 is no different.

into glassy material and lose their crystal structure

In areas of the meteorite are beautiful, striped

due to the pressure and temperature of shock

minerals of the pyroxene mineral group. Pyroxene

compression. In other words, the temperatures and

group minerals are silicates found in solid solution.

pressure that transform feldspars into Maskelynite

They can be made up of various compositions, with

ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

Figure 5. False coloured back scattered electron image of the Martian meteorite NWA4766.

calcium, iron and magnesium as end members. In

Vesta

high temperature environments, these end member

These exsolution lamellae are also found in the

compositions can coexist in one mineral structure.

meteorite NWA 2949 that originated from Vesta.

However, when the mineral starts to cool, these

This is one of the larger objects found in the

elements can no longer co-exist and separate into

asteroid belt, being almost 530 km in diameter, it

distinct areas in the mineral space, creating these

can even be seen from Earth in the night sky. As

stripes we see, also known as exsolution lamellae.As

mentioned before, the exsolution lamellae formed

this shows that the pyroxenes were once subjected

in pyroxene occur due to cooling from high

to high temperatures, it can suggest that parts of

temperature environments, normally associated

the moon were once volcanically active and these

with volcanic activity. So, the presence of the

pyroxenes were either present in magma, or in the

lamellae helps solidify the theory that Vesta was

surrounding rocks that would have been subjected

once volcanically active, which is believed to have

to high temperatures due to the environment.

occurred 4.5 billion years ago.

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Figure 6. Resin block with meteorites samples embedded in them, ready for carbon coating.

K-Pg boundary

The Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary is most notably known for being the time-period during the extinction of the dinosaurs, which was believed to have been caused by a meteorite impact. But what evidence do we have to back up this theory? Well, sedimentary rocks that were deposited during this time-period all over the world have much higher concentrations of Iridium in them compared to normal. Iridium is rare on the Earth’s crust, so the most likely culprit is an interloper, something not from Earth, a meteorite.

The hope was that running a WDS spectra on the samples would show a small Iridium peak, which would show that the levels are higher than normal in samples from various parts of the world. However, with the iridium concentration still being in the parts per billion, that was just a bit too low a concentration for our detectors to pick up. So, the learning outcome would have to be something different here.

Iridium levels are not the only way to show the geological history in the samples from this time-

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period. One of the samples analysed was from an area of Canada called Red Deer Valley, with a lot of the sample being exclusively coal material. Coal being made from organic matter, and this deposit in its original context being over seven meters in height is another geological clue to show that an extinction event occurred here. With majority of flora and fauna being killed off after a meteorite impact, their biological material should end up in the geological record, in this case, from our samples we can see the coal.

Round-up

After spending hours and hours imaging and analysing these microscopic marvels, it’s easy to see just how beautiful they all are. It wouldn’t be difficult to create an art exhibit that just shows all the images, but that wouldn’t be as rewarding.

I believe that art and science can go hand in hand, using these images to draw people in, and letting them tell the stories that these rocks hold, then slowly introducing new ideas to people that don’t normally get the opportunity to gain experiences

Figure 7. Microscopic Meteorites art exhibition in the exhibition space at the Sherwood Observatory, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.

and interactions with samples like these. Even if it’s only one small thing, maybe it could inspire people to research more, and to learn more about space, and what makes up this small solar system that we call home.

At the time of writing this, the exhibition has only been open a week and the response has been really positive. And so these tiny little space rocks that have travelled a long, long way from home, may just have managed to catalyse interest in electron microscopy even more.

Lorelei Robertson Lorelei Robertson is an Electron Microscopy Technician in the Nanoscale and Microscale Research centre, at the university of Nottingham, where she helps with the running of the scanning electron microscopes and associated sample preparation laboratory. She spends a lot of time working on outreach and public engagement projects to help inspire the next generation of electron microscopists, technicians and scientists.

Microscopic Meteorites is currently available to visit at Sherwood Observatory, Sutton-in-Ashfield from June to September and then will be travelling across the country.To find out more, visit our Summer of Space website: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmrc/ summer-of-space.aspx Lorelei Robertson, Electron Microscopy Technician, Nanoscale & Microscale Research Centre (nmRC), University of Nottingham

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C O M PA N Y N E W S

Telight expands to Asia Telight is expanding its presence in Asia with the

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the international expansion has been described by

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Japan. These milestones mark significant progress in bringing advanced, label-free live-cell imaging technology to key Asian research markets.

By strengthening local collaborations, Telight is deepening ties between European and Asian scientific communities and supporting innovation in fields such as oncology, stem cell research, and

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Linkam showcases new stage innovation at M&M 2025 Linkam Scientific Instruments is showcasing a

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portfolio.

an alternative to common blotting mechanisms

Linkam’s showcase at M&M 2025 includes the new IHS1700 stage, an infrared heating system developed alongside researchers at the University of Huddersfield, UK, which has a temperature range of room temperature to 1700 °C and uses infrared

by employing a novel suction approach to control ice thickness. This improves process stability and repeatability while also allowing for real-time optical monitoring of a sample as it undergoes plunge freezing.

heating to achieve a maximum 2000 °C/min. Linkam

Dr. Michael Schwertner, Senior Research Scientist

will also be presenting some of its most popular

at Linkam, will be giving poster presentations on the

stages for temperature controlled analysis, including

CryoGenium, an automated blot-free cryo-plunger

the MFS,THMS600, and imaging platform.

with optical real-time feedback for single-particle

Cryo-microscopy continues to be a key focus at M&M 2025, and Linkam will deliver two poster presentations relating to its cryogenic systems – the CMS196V4, and the CryoGenium plunger.

The CMS196V4 is Linkam’s cryo-correlative microscopy system, which enables cryofluorescence, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and cryo-super resolution.

The stage uses liquid nitrogen cooling to maintain vitrification of samples and was developed together with

and cell-based workflows and its new platform for cryo-fluorescence with high stability and improved ease of use. Attendees can visit booth #1439 for more information.

Clara Ko, Sales and Marketing Director at Linkam, comments:“Across the scientific community, we are seeing analytical instrumentation get better in every sense, in terms of time-to-results, sensitivity and specificity, and our stages are continuing to support researchers across the globe. As demand for innovation across academic and industrial research continues, we are proud to supply environmentaland temperature-controlled stages, paving the way for future scientific discovery.” https://www.linkam.co.uk/

the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in the Netherlands.

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C O M PA N Y N E W S HORIBA opens new Analytical Solution Plaza to support UK science and research HORIBA, a global leader in analytical and measurement technology, has expanded its worldwide network of Analytical Solution Plazas with the opening in the UK of its latest advanced technology centre. Sited in the centre of the country on MIRA Tech Park, the HORIBA Group’s new customer and scientific collaboration site was opened by HORIBA Group CEO, Mr. Atsushi Horiba, and British Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Ms Julia Longbottom CMG.The Plaza will be a resource for all of HORIBA’s business fields in the UK, giving their customers and the wider UK scientific community ready access to the company’s breadth of advanced technological capabilities and scientific expertise.

The new 290m2 Analytical Solution Plaza United Kingdom will house a broad range of HORIBA’s cutting-edge technologies which can support an extensive array of analytical applications from biopharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy, and clinical diagnostics, through to Net Zero and clean energy, the environment and climate change, plus advanced manufacturing and materials. Scientists from all fields will be welcome to collaborate on demonstrations, feasibility studies, educational seminars and training, with access to technology

displays and working products. These activities will be facilitated by the Plaza’s open-plan demonstration area zoned by technology capability, its chemistry lab and access to stunning event space.

The UK’s new Plaza will expand on HORIBA’s current customer collaboration sites, including its UK locations with over 800 employees nationwide, as well as its Analytical Solution Plazas worldwide.

Like other Plazas, the new UK-based facility will offer analytical testing services to support scientists, with quality data available on a contract analysis basis. In addition to broadening resources for HORIBA customers in the UK, the new Plaza will also offer an ideal location for on-site STEM outreach programmes to interact with and inspire visiting school children and university students.

HORIBA’s technology capabilities encompass many areas of expertise. Those to be showcased at the new Plaza include: microscopic and nanoscopic chemical imaging; molecular fingerprinting with optical spectroscopy; fuel cell and battery materials testing; particle characterisation; water quality testing; medical and veterinary diagnostics; and gas analysis for industrial and environmental applications. www.horiba.com/uk

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Read Microscopy and Analysis, issue 2 online The redesigned layout and enriched content of Microscopy and Analysis Issue 1, released in March, have been met with enthusiastic acclaim from the microscopy community.The issue is filled with valuable articles that have inspired and informed our readers. With 15,000 print readers, 51,000 newsletter subscribers, and additional distribution via social media and the Wiley network, this issue has reached an extensive audience, establishing us as a leading microscopy magazine with significant market penetration.

This is our second issue of the year, and we are delighted to present another captivating magazine.

Across 52 pages,you can explore a profile of Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz (page 16), who revolutionized our understanding of cellular dynamics through pioneering fluorescence microscopy methods. Our

feature “Seeing More with Quantum Light” (page 19) reveals groundbreaking insights, such as how QuantumEnhanced Microscopes are pushing the boundaries of biological imaging. The cover story (page 22) delves into the rapid advancements in light sheet microscopy for life sciences research, driven by scientific exploration and innovative scientific CMOS cameras. Our sections on Light Microscopy, Correlative Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Analysis offer important insights into new developments, techniques, and applications in these fields.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and discover content that will aid you in your research. The second issue came out in May and is available at Wiley Analytical Science. https://analyticalscience.wiley.com/ content/magazine-do/microscopy-andanalysis-2-2025

Glucose-powered nanorobots mimic cellular communication Researchers from the Martin Pumera Research Group have published a study on glucose-powered nanorobots and their integration into cellular microenvironments through the in-situ generation of H2O2. The team used Telight’s QPhase microscope to monitor cell motility and proliferation in real time—without labels or phototoxicity.

milestone where Telight technology supports cutting-edge applications at the interface of nanomedicine and live-cell imaging. https://telight.eu/glucose-powerednanorobots/

QPhase’s high-precision, label-free imaging was instrumental in capturing subtle dynamic changes, helping to quantify how nanorobots influence live-cell behaviour. The publication marks another

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Agilent xCELLigence RTCA Instrumentation Supports Potency Assay Development for CAR T Therapy Innovative technology supports testing of accuracy

Therapeutics

and reliability in Autolus Therapeutics’ recently

invaluable in our journey to FDA approval.Agilent’s

approved CAR T therapy AUCATZYL®

state-of-the-art xCELLigence RTCA technology

Agilent Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce its innovative technology role in supporting

added, “Agilent’s

support

was

facilitated the accuracy, reliability and precision of our potency analytical procedure.”

the testing of accuracy and reliability in Autolus

The

Therapeutics’ FDA approval for AUCATZYL®,

(RTCA) technology is a cutting-edge platform

a recently approved CAR T therapy. Agilent

that continuously monitors cell behaviour in real-

xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA)

time without using labels or dyes. This technology

technology was utilized in the research and

measures

development of potency assays for CAR T therapy

dynamic information on cell numbers, viability, and

by Autolus Therapeutics. The xCELLigence RTCA

morphology. Unlike traditional endpoint assays,

technology

and

xCELLigence RTCA offers real-time insights,

implementation of the potency assay. By providing

enabling more accurate and timely decision-making

precise and reliable cell analysis capabilities, Agilent

in drug development. Its ability to deliver continuous,

supported Autolus’s efforts in establishing robust

real-time data sets it apart in the market, providing

analytical methods.

researchers with a deeper understanding of cellular

supported

the

development

Dr. Xiaobo Wang, Vice President and General Manager of the Cell Function and Phenotyping

xCELLigence

electrical

Real-Time

impedance

Cell

to

Analysis

provide

responses and enhancing the development of effective therapies.

Business at Agilent stated, “Agilent is honoured to

Agilent is committed to advancing scientific

have contributed to this development in cancer

innovation and supporting groundbreaking therapies

treatment. The collaboration between Agilent and

that enhance health outcomes.To learn more about

Autolus highlights the importance of innovative

Agilent’s real-time cell analysis solutions, visit Agilent

technologies and cooperative efforts in advancing

Cell Analysis.

cancer therapies.”

https://www.agilent.com/en/product/

David Brochu, Chief Technical Officer at Autolus

cell-analysis/real-time-cell-analysis

If you would like your Company News to appear on these pages, please contact infocus Magazine at advertising@infocus.org.uk The announcements in this Section are compiled by the manufacturers. They in no way represent a recommendation by the Royal Microscopical Society for any particular instrument or equipment. The Royal Microscopical Society does not endorse, support, recommend or verify the information provided on these pages.

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‘Mouse Tongue’

By Karmen Owen, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Shortlisted in the Light Microscopy, Life Sciences category of the 2025 RMS Scientific Imaging Competition. 20x Mouse Tongue stained with PAS and counterstained with fast green.

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NEW PRODUCTS Thermo Fisher Scientific Enhances Life Sciences Research Accessibility with Three New Electron Microscopes As the world leader in serving science and driving innovation, Thermo Fisher Scientific is proud to announce the launch of three new electron microscopes this year, significantly advancing the democratization of life sciences research and setting new standards in scientific discovery.

Talos 12 cryo-TEM: adaptable for researchers across disciplines and experience levels The Thermo Scientific Talos™ 12 TEM is designed to make advanced sample analysis more accessible for biological research, pathology, and drug development. With enhancements that improve ease of use while maintaining high quality imaging with high reproducibility, the Talos 12 lowers the requirements for highly skilled TEM operators.The new model features a smaller footprint and nextgeneration enclosure, making it suitable for more lab spaces. Streamlined workflows – from routine imaging of cells and tissues to AI-assisted sample characterization to cryo-EM – enable the userfriendly Talos 12 to support remote operation for collaboration regardless of location.

Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB: with enhanced AI Workflows The Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio™ Plasma-FIB now incorporates exclusive AI-driven applications to provide novel strategies for volume EM, enhancing reliability and throughput.

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Room temperature volume acquisitions now see a reduction in acquisition time by up to 50% by only capturing areas of interest at high resolution at high resolution the features of interest. And for cryo volume acquisitions, reliability and ease of capture are significantly improved through AI monitoring.

These enhancements streamline workflows for biologists and complement the lamella preparation protocols available with the system that allow the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB to deliver high-quality data for diverse biological applications from tissue volumes to in situ proteins.

Krios 5: revolutionizing Cryo-EM with next-level throughput and precision The Thermo Scientific Krios 5 cryo-TEM is engineered for next-generation atomic-resolution imaging, offering up to 25% higher throughput than previous models. It enables researchers to study molecular structures faster and with greater accuracy, ideal for single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). The system provides detailed 3D visualizations of proteins and their interactions within cellular environments, with innovations like AI-powered experimental setup and vacuum capsule transfer, making it a powerful tool in structural biology and drug development workflows. www.thermofisher.com

Control Your Four-Channel LED Illuminator in Imaging Software Whether you’re managing a core facility or pushing the limits of live-cell imaging, the demand for efficiency, reproducibility and flexibility has never been higher. For widefield fluorescence, the CoolLED pE-400max LED Illumination System meets these challenges head-on, offering four channels that are independently controllable via software,TTL or manual control pod.

Best of all, the pE-400max integrates seamlessly with major imaging platforms, including Leica LAS X, Nikon NIS Elements, Evident cellSens, and µManager, enabling effortless synchronisation and automation across a range of applications – from routine imaging to advanced acquisition protocols.

TEM Grids Graticules has the largest range of TEM grids

Key advantages of the pE-400max: •

Compatible with a range of fluorophores from DAPI through YFP to Cy5 (365–635 nm), thanks to four independently controllable LEDs.

•

Software control for fast, flexible workflows including time-lapse and Z-stacks.

•

TTL synchronisation with cameras and peripheral devices, enabling high-speed capture where extra data points reveal hidden details.

•

Intensity modulation, ensuring reproducibility across users while reducing photobleaching and phototoxicity.

•

Embedded illumination settings within experiment files, supporting consistent, publication-quality results across sessions and operators.

Ideal for both routine to advanced fluorescence applications, the pE-400max delivers the flexibility facility managers need and the performance researcher’s demand. www.coolled.com/products/pe-400max Brands behind the name are Maxtaform, Embra, Brandsma,Value and GOFIB www.graticulesoptics.com

in the largest range of materials to satisfy your requirements for metal foil grids. Nobody else offers grids in copper, copper rhodium, nickel, gold, molybdenum, titanium, aluminium and stainless steel. From simple mesh patterns to finder grids, AHERA grids and specialist patterns, Graticules will likely have grids that satisfy your application, if not, we can make to custom designs.

All of their standard grids are 100% inspected to ensure every grid you take from one of the AntiStatic vials is useable.

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NEW PRODUCTS

Revealing life in its full context Live imaging of large multicellular systems with open

customizable multiwell mounting system combines

top dual view light sheet microscopy, powered by Leica

for the first-time to create a dual view light sheet

Microsystems

imaging system with multiposition imaging2.

Visualizing the dynamics of individual cells to

The unique combination of open top configuration,

understand the underlying mechanisms shaping

penetration depth into the sample easy sample

complex tissues is an overarching goal in cell and

mounting, throughput and long-term live imaging

developmental biology. However, visualising single

enables

cells in the innermost layers of large 3D multicellular

information in large specimens even over extended

systems such as developing model organisms or

periods of time.

3D cell culture systems, including spheroids or

References:

organoids, is challenging. This is mainly due to light scattering causing poor penetration.

gain

of

quantitative

single-cell

[1] J. Huisken, J. Swoger, F. Del Bene, J.Wittbrodt, and E. H. K. Stelzer. Optical Sectioning Deep Inside Live

In addition, understanding complex processes

Embryos by Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy.

in these samples often requires crossing large

Science, vol. 305, no. 5686, Art. no. 5686, Aug. 2004,

spatiotemporal biological scales. Due to its high

doi: 10.1126/science.1100035

spatiotemporal resolution and low phototoxicity light sheet microscopy should be the method of choice for imaging large living samples1.

[2] Moos, F., Suppinger, S., de Medeiros, G. et al. Open-top multisample dual-view light-sheet microscope for live imaging of large multicellular

Viventis Deep, from Leica Microsystems, is an

systems. Nat Methods 21, 798–803 (2024). https://

open-top dual-view and dual-illumination light-

doi.org/10.1038/s41592-024-02213

sheet microscope purposefully designed for live imaging of large specimens at single-cell resolution.

The configuration of objectives together with a

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https://www.leica-microsystems.com/ products/p/viventis-deep/

Laser 2000 Introduces PicoQuant’s Luminosa Confocal Microscope Powerful, transparent and researcher-friendly microscopy for advanced fluorescence applications

the growing demand for open, reproducible and customisable workflows in advanced fluorescence microscopy.

New features in Luminosa include: • NEW:Add-ons that enhance spatial resolution, enable metabolic imaging or extend live-cell experiments

Laser 2000 is proud to offer the Luminosa confocal microscope from PicoQuant, a next-generation system delivering high-end fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and confocal capabilities with a strong focus on data transparency and user flexibility.

As PicoQuant’s exclusive UK partner, Laser 2000 brings researchers a system designed to meet

•

NEW: NovaFLIM software for fast analysis of FLIM, FLIM-FRET and anisotropy data

•

NEW: NovaISM software for FLIM analysis with high resolution and contrast

Luminosa combines PicoQuant’s renowned timeresolved fluorescence technology with an intuitive user interface and robust hardware—ideal for applications such as FLIM, FRET, single-molecule studies and live-cell imaging. It integrates easily into a wide range of research environments, from microscopy cores to individual research labs. www.laser2000.co.uk

Introducing the UltraMicroscope Choros™ – Expanding the Possibilities of 3D Imaging for Large Samples Miltenyi Biotec is proud to announce the launch of the UltraMicroscope Choros™, a next-generation light sheet microscope engineered for researchers seeking to advance the frontiers of large-volume 3D imaging.

Building upon the legacy of the widely adopted UltraMicroscope Blaze™, the new UltraMicroscope Choros features a dedicated standalone stage and offers double the imaging volume of the Blaze with its standard cuvette. This powerful enhancement enables effortless imaging of entire cleared mice, large human biopsy tissues, and even whole human organs – without the need to section or trim precious samples. Researchers can now preserve sample integrity while gaining unprecedented insight into complex biological structures.

The UltraMicroscope Choros is designed as a seamless part of an integrated workflow. Fully compatible with LightSpeed Mode and MACS® iQ View – 3D Large Volume, it provides a robust end-

to-end solution from sample preparation through to image acquisition and processing. This makes the Choros a powerful tool for high-resolution, high-throughput imaging in fields ranging from developmental biology and neuroscience to oncology and regenerative medicine.

With the UltraMicroscope Choros, Miltenyi BioTec continues its commitment to innovation in advanced microscopy—empowering scientists to explore biological systems in more detail and at greater scale than ever before. www.miltenyibiotec.com/ ultramicroscopechoros

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Going for gold with HORIBA’s FLIMera and InverTau™ systems Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful technique

to perform TCSPC, recording up to 24,192

that can reveal the structure and dynamics of

fluorescence decays simultaneously, making it ideal

biologics, such as in cell research, drug development,

for real-time, video-rate image acquisition (30 fps).

diagnostics and neuroscience. In addition, it is also

If higher resolution FLIM is required, by scanning

applied to the study of materials science, including

the laser across the sample and using a pinhole

polymers and nanomaterials. However, fluorescence

in the emission path, the InverTau™ operates on

microscopy is heavily dependent on the excitation’s

the principle of confocal microscopy. This enables

wavelength

range,

it to collect images with spatial resolutions of up

fluorophore concentration and microenvironment.

to 4K × 4K. Being complementary to each other,

Fluorescence lifetime, on the other hand, is specific

the FLIMera and InverTau™ can simply be added

for a molecule.

to a C-mount port, upgrading your fluorescence

Using

and

Fluorescence

intensity,

Lifetime

emission

Imaging

(FLIM)

adds significant, additional contrast to standard fluorescence microscopy images, helping to uncover the valuable molecular processes that lie within.

The golden standard for fluorescence lifetime measurement is Time-correlated Single-Photon

driven through the easy-to-use EzTime Image software and making this technique accessible like never before.

Designed not to be solely dependent on each other, the FLIMera and the InverTau™ offer flexibility and a more financially viable way to build your FLIM set-

Counting (TCSPC), and HORIBA’s FLIMera and

up – one module at a time. More information about

InverTau™ are precisely developed with TCSPC as a

the FLIMera and the InverTau™ is available in our

mode of measurement, together with software that

technical newsletter.

is a breeze to operate. Both of these systems are on a mission to make specialist centre capabilities accessible to any research laboratory.

Adding the widefield FLIMera camera and pulsed laser, you can easily transform your standard fluorescence microscope to a FLIM measurement system, suddenly enjoying 192 x 126 pixels, each containing timing electronics and detector

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www.horiba.com/uk

Agilent Unveils Transformative Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer: Revolutionizing 3D Tissue and Organoid Research

Agilent Technologies

Inc. announced

release

of the new Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer, a high-performance, 24-well system designed to expand real-time metabolic analysis into optimized 3D tissue and organoid workflows, along with dedicated consumables and kit.

“The new Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer has significantly enhanced our research capabilities. Its 24-well userfriendly design allows us to focus on experiments rather than struggling with equipment, while its heightened sensitivity makes it easier to detect subtle changes in metabolic activity in 2D and 3D cellular models. This efficiency and versatility, especially in studying brain tissue, has made it an invaluable tool for advancing our understanding of metabolism,” stated Dr. Yvonne Couch, Associate Professor of Neuroimmunology at the University of Oxford, UK. “The XF Flex instrument has been crucial in accurately measuring metabolic responses, yielding insights that were previously difficult to achieve.”

“We are excited about the groundbreaking Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer as it will revolutionize the understanding of cellular metabolism in 3D models and organoids,” added Chris Braun, associate vice president of Marketing, Cellular and Biomolecular Analysis Division at Agilent.“Surpassing conventional methods, this innovative solution provides richer

insight into metabolic functions in living cells with precise, real-time bioenergetic measurements, enabling researchers to uncover disease mechanisms and open novel therapeutic avenues.”

In combination with the Seahorse XF Flex Analyzer, the optimized Seahorse XF Flex tissue workflow includes several key components designed to enhance real-time metabolic analysis in live tissue models. It features the Seahorse XF Flex 3D Capture Microplate, essential for capturing 3D tissue samples, and the Seahorse XF 3D Mito Stress Test Kit, used to measure mitochondrial function in these models.

The workflow also incorporates a precision-cut vibratome, a tool that allows for the creation of consistent and smooth tissue sections, crucial for accurate metabolic analysis.Additionally, the intuitive XF software simplifies assay setup, automates data quality control, and transforms data into actionable insights with minimal effort. These components work together to provide a comprehensive solution for researchers, ensuring higher sensitivity and consistency in their measurements. https://www.agilent.com/en/product/ cell-analysis/real-time-cell-metabolicanalysis/xf-analyzers/seahorse-xf-flexanalyzer-9318021

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NEW PRODUCTS

FIB Lift-Out Grids

In recent times the need for different types of EM grids has expanded, and the commercial introduction around 15 years ago of Nanomanipulators was perhaps the start of this.Their requirement for halfmoon type grids with pins or slots to hold lamella samples led to the introduction of FIB Lift-Out Grids.

Having made custom grids for many OEM companies since the inception of these products, Graticules has recently introduced their own brand

of products with multiple pin configurations and in copper or molybdenum.

Over the years the design and quality requirements of the grids has changed, driven by the increased demands of the analysis and automated workflow systems. This is something that Graticules has addressed with improvements in processing and investment in new plant. The latest innovation has been the addition of unique DMC marking on each grid for true traceability. This has meant significant development and major investment in bespoke systems that are capable of achieving the 100% readable micro coding demanded. www.graticulesoptics.com

Revealing Hidden Histories: Non-Destructive Imaging & Analysis Systems from BlueScientific As the demand for analysing and digitizing artifacts grows in art conservation and archaeology, new non-destructive techniques have become crucial.

BlueScientific, a premium distributor of advanced analytical microscopy systems, is at the forefront empowering UK researchers and institutions with cutting-edge techniques including micro-XRF, microCT (XRM) and Raman Spectroscopy solutions.

Whether investigating pigment composition in historic paintings or analysing microstructures in ancient artefacts, tools like the Bruker SKYSCAN 1273 and the next-generation X4 POSEIDON XRM alongside the ELIO and M6 JETSTREAM micro-XRF systems, enable in-depth analysis whilst preserving the integrity of valuable samples.

Prof. Lisa-Marie Shillito of Durham University exemplifies how advanced non-destructive imaging is transforming heritage science.Prof.Shillito’s team,part of NEMCAS, works across archaeological artefacts, soils, and organic materials — traditionally relying on extensive sample preparation and 2D thin-section microscopy to study structure and morphology with optical and electron microscopy techniques.

With the Bruker SKYSCAN 1273, and soon to be installed X4 POSEIDON, their work now preserves valuable samples while delivering richer, non-invasive analyses. As Prof. Shillito explains, “X-ray micro-CT is a game changer - enabling us to analyse the same

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materials with minimal preparation, in 3D, providing much more detailed insights.” The SKYSCAN 1273 is especially well-suited to heritage applications, offering a large, versatile chamber for diverse sample types coupled with a powerful 130kV X-ray source but in a benchtop format.Through tools like these, NEMCAS is helping to redefine how we explore and protect the material traces of the past.

Another notable example of non-destructive analysis uncovering hidden histories is the decades-long study of Gauguin’s Nevermore, led in part by Dr Silvia Amato and Prof. Aviva Burnstock at The Courtauld Institute of Art (2024).An initial 1983 investigation (Hale, 1983), followed by The Courtauld’s 2014 portable X-ray work, revealed an earlier composition beneath the surface. In 2015, scanning micro-XRF with a Bruker M6 JETSTREAM (supplied by BlueScientific) improved sensitivity for the same dwell time, with elemental mapping exposing previously unseen details. A 2021 re-examination using an upgraded dual-detector M6 JETSTREAM offered unprecedented clarity, suggesting Gauguin reused the canvas during a fabric shortage in Tahiti between 1897–1900. https://blue-scientific.com/

Excelitas Introduces X-Cite TETREM LED Light Source for Fluorescence Microscopy Four-channel wavelength switchable light guide-coupled

•

USB or TTL inputs

unit simplifies control of multiple fluorescence channels Excelitas®, the leading provider of advanced, life-

Flexible Connectivity: Control via smartDIAL,

•

Microscope Compatibility: Liquid light guide coupling ensures seamless integration

enriching technologies that make a difference, serving global market leaders in the life sciences,

•

with a wide range of microscope systems

advanced industrial, next-generation semiconductor

•

Compact Design: Ideal for laboratories

and avionics sectors, announces the launch of the

where space is limited or direct coupling is

X-Cite TETREM™ —a four-channel, switchable

impractical

light guide-coupled LED light source designed to optimize fluorescence microscopy workflows.

The

X-Cite

TETREM

smartDIAL™

control

uses

Excelitas’

“We are thrilled to introduce the X-Cite TETREM, which brings intuitive channel control and high-

new

performance fluorescence illumination to labs

enabling

seeking a cost-effective solution,” said Michelle

researchers to intuitively and easily control multiple

Gal, Senior Product Manager, Excelitas. “This latest

channels manually via an easy-to-read display

X-Cite® solution upholds our commitment to

interface,

featuring advanced controls. Offering high power

providing reliable, high-quality LED fluorescence

for routine imaging applications, TETREM is an

illumination systems for microscopy applications.

accessible, budget-friendly solution for fluorescence

In addition to delivering precision, versatility and

microscopy laboratories.

value, X-Cite TETREM simplifies individual channel

Key features of the X-Cite TETREM include: •

and offers an accessible alternative to high-end

Fluorophore Excitation:Available in two

illumination systems for a variety of routine

models, XT640S (365nm DAPI excitation)

fluorescence imaging applications.”

and •

control, excites the most common fluorophores

XT640L (385nm DAPI excitation),TETREM supports DAPI, FITC,TRITC/mCherry and

•

Cy5 fluorophore excitation

•

Independent Channel Control: Four

https://www.excelitas.com/product/xcite-tetrem-channel-led-illuminationsystem

individually or simultaneously controllable •

channels for on/off and intensity adjustments

•

Enhanced Filtering: Features a filter holder for fine-tuning excitation between 500 nm –

•

600 nm

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NEW PRODUCTS Eyepiece Reticles and Stage Micrometers For over 75 years Graticules Optics has been manufacturing high quality eyepiece reticles and stage micrometers for light microscopy. They have built-up an unmatched range of products including a large portfolio of specialist patterns. Additionally, Graticules has the capability to make products to custom designs.

Whether you are looking for a simple horizontal scale eyepiece reticle or a complex calibration artefact, Graticules will have a solution for you.

Eyepiece Reticles are made in sizes to fit all types of eyepieces from every microscope manufacturer.

Stage Micrometers are made for brightfield and incident applications in a variety of lengths to suit different magnifications. Recently white glass products have been introduced to satisfy the requirement in top light applications for a high contrast image. Traceable calibrations can be satisfied by the supply of ISO 17025 traceable calibration certified scales.

To complete the range of products for Light M i c r o s c o p y, Graticules also manufactures Sedgewick Rafter counting chambers, Howard Cells, the unique England Finder slide and have a wide range of haemocytometer, cytometer, sperm mobility (including both Makler and Shukratara) and other chambers.

Graticules has videos on their website which show ‘How to size and fit an eyepiece reticle’, ‘How to calibrate a microscope with a stage micrometer’ and a comprehensive table of diameters for common microscopes. www.graticulesoptics.com

ORCA®-Halo: A New Benchmark for Backilluminated sCMOS Imaging Hamamatsu Photonics proudly announces the addition of the ORCAHalo, C17440-20U, to its renowned ORCA® family of scientific CMOS (sCMOS) cameras.

Designed to meet the needs of academic researchers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the ORCA-Halo combines cutting-edge reliable technology with excellent image quality performance. It sets a new standard for backilluminated sensor cameras.

Designed to excel in every lab, here are the ORCAHalo’s key features: Back-Illuminated Sensor: Achieving a peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 86%, it ensures low noise and improved signal-to-noise ratios, even for demanding fluorescence imaging applications.

High Resolution & Wide Field of View: With 9 MP resolution (3000 × 3000 pixels) and a compact 3.76 µm pixel size, this high-resolution camera captures

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stunningly detailed images, ideal for advanced microscopy.

Low Readout Noise: Flexible settings to optimize performance on specific samples, enhancing sensitivity for faint signals.

Enhanced Cooling Options: Featuring both forced air and water cooling mechanisms, the ORCA-Halo minimizes dark current for long-exposure imaging, ensuring reliability under various experimental conditions.

Proprietary Light Sheet Readout Mode: Patented technology synchronizes readout timing with excitation light, reducing scattered light and delivering superior results in light-sheet microscopy.

The ORCA-Halo represents Hamamatsu’s commitment to making premium imaging accessible to a broader audience. Developed for routine inspections, this addition to our lineup reflects the same reliability and performance standards that define the ORCA camera series, maintaining the high expectations of academic researchers and OEMs worldwide. www.hamamatsu.eu

Mountains® 11 sets a new standard in surface and image analysis Digital

Surf

announces

the

release

merges and organizes multiple documents into

of Mountains® 11.0, the newest version of

professional-quality PDF or RTF reports.

its acclaimed software platform used for surface

Smarter workflows – Copy and reuse parts of

metrology and microscopy image analysis. Already considered a reference tool by instrument

an analysis instantly across documents.

manufacturers and end users across research and

Enhanced technology-specific tools – From

industry, Mountains® continues to raise the bar

new curve fitting functions for spectroscopy to fiber

with powerful new features that make analysis

classification in SEM and innovative 3D visualization

faster, more visual and more efficient than ever.

for profilometry, Mountains® 11.0 delivers targeted

Among the standout enhancements in version 11.0: Sharper, smoother, next-level 3D views – Powered by a new rendering engine, 3D models are now ultra-responsive and more interactive, with advanced lighting effects like roughness and metalness for more realistic visualization.

Stitching reinvented – Whether working with profilometry, SEM, SPM or light microscopy data, users benefit from redesigned stitching tools that handle large datasets with ease, streamline alignment and offer smarter automation.

upgrades across its product ranges.

The

release

also

includes

3

new

products: MountainsSEM® Image Analysis, focused on 2D SEM image enhancement and particle analysis and MountainsSPIP® Nanospectral Starter & Expert, offering advanced nanoscale spectral analysis tools for SPM. “Mountains® has become a standard in labs and production facilities worldwide,” said Christophe Mignot, CEO of Digital Surf. “Version 11.0 reflects our ongoing commitment to provide users with cutting-edge tools that make complex analysis not

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If you would like your new product information to appear on these pages, contact infocus Magazine at advertising@infocus.org.uk The announcements in this Section are compiled by the manufacturers. They in no way represent a recommendation by the Royal Microscopical Society for any particular instrument or equipment. The Royal Microscopical Society does not endorse, support, recommend or verify the information provided on these pages.

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European Geoscience Union Annual Meeting 2025 Vienna, Austria 27 April–2 May 2025

By Alice Macente

T

he European Geoscience Union is Europe's premier geosciences union, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, worldwide. It was established in September 2002, making EGU25 the 22nd EGU

conference. collaborations. For me, it was a great opportunity to meet old and new colleagues and coming back to more geoscience-based data after years of working with more analytical methods.

I was invited as solicited speaker to talk within the Tectonic Studies session called “Fluid-rock interactions: interplays, processes and tracers”. In my presentation titled “From pore-scale to macro-

Alice delivering a talk.

With 20,984 registered attendees, this year’s EGU was something exceptional. There were attendees from 130 countries, 1,102 scientific sessions and over 18,000 presentations, both on site and virtually, with 56 per cent from Early Career Scientists.

For geo-scientists, EGU is an extremely important place to network, exchange nurture

ideas

and new

scale: Understanding fluid-rock interactions using X-ray Computed Tomography”, I showed some of my most recent research, conducted while I was working at the University of Leeds. I was presenting results focusing on the combined effect of corrosion and carbonation related to the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) infrastructures. The talk was very well received, with a few questions and a few people stopping by after the session to discuss. In particular, the points discussed at the conference will form the basis for the discussion of the paper we are now

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

writing with my co-

into some of the student and PhD candidate

authors, making the

presentations.

contribution

more

robust and placing it within the broader CCS

current

atmosphere.

There

is a lot of effort Stephansplatz.

focusing

on

CCS

technologies now, as

CCS has been identified as one possible strategy to reduce carbon emissions and safely store them underground through in-situ mineral trapping.

On the social front, I had the time to travel around Vienna a little bit: the conference registration comes with a free public transport ticket valid for the duration of the conference, which allows you to travel around Vienna in a sustainable way. I got the chance to visit the Belvedere Museum, which is home to some of the most famous artists in the world, including Klimt, Jacques-Louis David, Monet and others. The interiors of the palace are themselves a piece of art, as are the gardens outside.

This study in particular combined expertise from geoscience with mechanical engineering, and looked at the whole combined effect, from the injection pipelines down to the rock storage properties evolution. It was therefore important to present this study in an international and broad geosciencebased community. I am very happy with how it was received.

I also attended various other sessions, related to fluid-rock interactions, mineral chemistry and CCS technologies, and was overwhelmed by the amount of science I was listening to. I was also pleased to see many interesting posters given by PhD students, master students and Early Career researchers! In fact, I was also a judge for the Outstanding Student and PhD candidate Presentation (OSPP) evaluation, so that gave me the chance to really dive deeply

Interior of the Belvedere Museum.

I would like to thank the Royal Microscopical Society, the Collaborative Computational Project in Tomographic Imaging at Diamond Light Source, and the European Geological Union EDI committee for the financial support that made it possible for me to attend this conference in this incredible, lively city.

Belvedere Palace.

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CYTO 2025: 38th Annual congress of the International Society for the Advancement of Cytometry Denver, Colorado, USA, 31 May – 4 June 2025 Kleopatra Dagla and Rachael Walker, Flow Cytometry Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT

T

he International Society for Advancement of Cytometry (ISAC) annual conference, CYTO, is the main international conference on the many facets of cytometry science and engineering.

This year it was held in Denver, Colorado, which is known for its warm hospitality, thriving cultural scene and natural beauty that combine to create one of the world’s most spectacular cities.

Home to cutting-edge research institutions and a thriving life science industry, the city is a hub for biomedical research, with leading academic institutions and research hospitals.

Over 1,600 Flow Cytometry enthusiasts attended the conference, which had a packed timetable of plenary and parallel scientific talks, posters sessions and commercial tutorials. The meeting was the perfect place to learn about the latest instrumentation, gather information about core facility management and to network with cytometry colleagues. There was something new to learn for everyone, no matter how many years they have been working in flow.

A highlight of the meeting was the tutorials on the first day. There was an excellent one on guidelines for control optimisation, handling of autofluorescence and quality control when running spectral cytometry experiments, given by experts in the field including Dr Florian Mair and Dr Oliver Burton.

Each year the Hooke Lecture is a key talk given by a pioneer in their field. This year it was given by Dr Lewis Lanier, who talked about Natural Killer cells giving a history of the research into these cells and his contributions to the field. The activity of these cells was first described in 1973, and flow cytometry was critical to the identification of these innate lymphocytes and the discovery of their receptors, signalling pathways and mechanisms of host protection against tumour and pathogens.

There were workshops each day about a variety of topics including Standardisation of Spectral Flow Cytometry, Autofluorescence, Data management, negotiations, Quantitative flow cytometry and Developing an OMIP. There were a lot of opportunities for networking, either during the coffee breaks and poster sessions at the sponsors exhibition or at the events hosted by vendors each night. And on the last day we had a chance to unwind and celebrate yet another successful symposium at the closing reception. Held at the Lucky Strike we were given the opportunity to discuss science and have a lot of fun over food, drinks, rounds of bowling and arcade games.

We would like to thank the Royal Microscopical Society for the financial support that made it possible for us to attend this conference.

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ISSUE 79 SEPTEMBER 2025

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