Microscopy on the up!
5 Jun 2008 by Evoluted New Media
As technology gets smaller, the field of microscopy gets bigger. Laboratory News takes a look at MICROSCIENCE 2008, the event that features it all
As technology gets smaller, the field of microscopy gets bigger. Laboratory News takes a look at MICROSCIENCE 2008, the event that features it all
“THE DRIVE towards greater sophistication and miniaturisation of products that we use every day in society, from mobile phones to pharmaceuticals, inevitably means that we need to improve our scientific understanding at a finer scale. This means greater emphasis on microscopy as the basic tool for providing that understanding. Microscopy and imaging are experiencing a renaissance with the advent of many new exciting techniques,” observes Professor Mark Rainforth, President of the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS). “It is not surprising that the RMS, which has been at the international forefront of microscopy since 1839, is now seeing sustained increase in membership numbers.”
| Society for General Microbiology at MICROSCIENCE 2008 |
| This one-day meeting (24 June) is a new collaboration between the RMS and the Society for General Microbiology (SGM). The synergy is an obvious one - there are not a lot of microbes that can be seen with the naked eye - but up until now there have been no formal joint ventures. The meeting will concentrate on the cellular aspects of infection and will consider both cell invasion processes and the 'tussle' that takes place once a pathogen has started to replicate within the host cell and the cell tries to fight back. Dr Mark Jepson (University of Bristol) will be looking at the way in which bacteria invade cells and then Professor Urs Greber (University of Zurich) will describe interactions of viruses with the cell cytoskeleton. Dr Michelle S Swanson (University of Michigan) will introduce the role of autophagy (a normal cellular process that helps cells last through times of nutrient stress), in bacterial and viral infection. Interestingly, there is some uncertainty as to whether pathogens induce autophagy as an aid to replication or the process is used by the cell as a defence mechanism. Timo Hyypia (University of Turku) will speak on 'Cellular interactions of enteroviruses'. |
A further indicator of this renaissance in microscopy and its increasing use as an essential tool for both life and physical science applications is the growth of the RMS organised event, MICROSCIENCE. Now the largest free-to-attend exhibition and conference in Europe focusing on microscopy, imaging and analysis, MICROSCIENCE will again return to London’s ExCeL on 23-26 June. This year it is destined to be the largest to date, with a 10% increase in exhibition space from 2006, and 110% since 2002! In addition, running alongside this major biennial exhibition, the sister conference has grown into a fully fledged international scientific conference for 2008.
In the 2 years since the last event, much thought and preparation has gone in to making MICROSCIENCE 2008. As well as the first class scientific conference programme and thriving exhibition, the RMS has a remit to teach and improve microscopy. Consequently, MICROSCIENCE 2008 will provide access to all the very latest microscopy equipment and techniques - including light microscopy, electron microscopy and scanned probe microscopy, as well as various image processing tools.
Within the exhibition hall a diverse mix of the very latest equipment and technologies will be showcased by a broad range of microscopy and imaging companies. Also free to all visitors is a forum for education, giving hands on experience to the complete range of techniques. Such learning opportunities include practical technology workshops and the RMS Learning Zone, which will once again be operating as a free ‘turn-up and learn’ facility.
A major feature of the exhibition hall, the RMS Learning Zone will be fully equipped with a range of SEMs, two confocals and a large number of light microscopes enabling visitors to gain hands on experience through live demonstrations, guided by renowned experts drawn from the international ranks of the RMS. Visitors can also make full use of this access to RMS expertise to discuss any microscopy challenges that they may be facing. In addition, a series of lectures on light microscopy, electron microscopy and digital imaging will be run each day within the Learning Zone's own lecture theatre. Since these provide an excellent introduction to the core microscopy subjects, the RMS will also issue certificates of attendance to support training requirements.
“Having a good grasp of the basic theories and practices of microscopy is a vitally important step to carrying out meaningful research. We are especially keen to support researchers in the early stages of their careers through the availability of RMS bursaries, whilst also encouraging the continuing education of all our members,” said Rob Flavin, RMS Executive Director. “With our new look scientific conference and more exhibition space occupied than ever before, MICROSCIENCE 2008 promises to deliver an unmissable opportunity for microscopists of all disciplines to meet, network and catch up on the very latest happenings in our science.”
Full programme details of conference and workshops are available at: www.microscience2008.org.uk
| RMS Membership offer for delegates | |
| At the international forefront of microscopy since 1839, the Royal Microscopical Society has observed a resurgence in microscopy over the past few years. This is not only exemplified by exceptionally rapid growth and evolution of MICROSCIENCE 2008, but also by burgeoning RMS membership numbers which have increased by 7% in the past two years, bucking trends experienced by most similar societies. “As the only truly international microscopical society we draw distinguished members from all over the world to join a vibrant multidisciplinary network of active microscopists,” explains Rob Flavin, RMS Executive Director. “We believe that our rapid increase in membership across both life and physical sciences is due to far ranging benefits. They include regular free and discounted RMS publications, access to frequent RMS organised meetings, courses and conferences, as well as bursaries to attend domestic and international conferences. Also, new to this year, members may register to take the Society's academic qualifications in microscopy, DipRMS and TechRMS.” The RMS believes that anybody with an interest in microscopy and imaging would benefit from membership and, as an incentive to join, are offering 18 months membership for the price of 12 to all non-members who register for the MICROSCIENCE 2008 International Conference. | |
