Microscopes are a versatile tool, and not just in laboratories or high school science classes. In fact, today’s microscopes are extremely advanced, offering incredible magnification and technology that wasn’t dreamt of decades ago. The evolution of microscopes began with a single lens, but the development of light and fluorescent microscopy, and later, electron microscopy and other specialist styles soon followed.
Today, microscopes are used in so many different industries and settings that it would be impossible to list them all. However, let’s look at some of the use cases for all types of microscopes.
Laboratory and scientific research
Microscopes are also used in all types of laboratories. Often, this is for scientific research, such as studying plant and animal life. But the list goes on – pharmaceutical research, studying the human body in intricate detail, and even food processing and development. If an industry employs scientific professionals, assume microscopes won’t be too far away.
In terms of the medical field, microscopes are used extensively. They can be used to study cells and tissues, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Microscopes are also used to examine blood samples or tissue samples (such as those taken from a biopsy, or even to determine a person’s cause of death).
Pharmaceutical work
While the medical research we just touched on is extremely important, another aspect of maintaining humanity’s health and wellbeing is pharmaceutical research. While this is similar to medical research in many ways, pharmaceutical research focuses exclusively on medicine and treatment options.
Microscopes are used extensively for testing the effectiveness of new medicines and vaccines, whether through human or animal trials. Thanks to the development of new types of microscopy with much stronger and more effective magnification than standard optical microscopy, the effect of medicine can be studied at a cellular level.
Studying insects, plants and animals
In the same way that scientists research the human body, we’re also constantly striving to learn more about the other beings we share the planet with. In that sense, scientists across all disciplines use microscopes to study insects, animals and plant life.
With modern microscopy techniques, we are always learning more about the different life forms on Earth, often at a cellular level. Depending on the types of research being conducted, some scientific studies of plants or animals can even result in medicinal or other benefits for humans.
Microscopes in food processing
The food industry is certainly not left out here, with microscopes being an integral part of research and development. The most common application for microscopes in the food industry centres around quality control. This might include detecting contaminants in food products, such as bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Microscopes can also be used to identify insects or other contaminants in food products.
In addition, new foods and flavours are being developed every day, and much of this research couldn’t take place without microscopes.
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