Physiology and Neuroscience

Precision positioning and sample handling for physiology and neuroscience

Physiology and neuroscience are related, yet distinct, fields that rely on imaging and microscopy systems.  

Physiology is the study of how living organisms function at the cellular or molecular level while neuroscience is a specialized branch of physiology that studies the nervous system and brain. Neuroscience is a wide-ranging discipline that includes molecular and cellular studies of individual neurons as well as imaging sensory, motor, and cognitive events in the brain.  

Electrophysiology is another branch of physiology, closely related to neuroscience. It is the study of electrical activity in living cells and tissues, with a particular focus on measuring the flow of ions across cellular membranes. The scales vary from imaging electrical activity in entire organs down to the cellular level. 

Some typical imaging applications in physiology include: 

Cellular and Molecular Imaging: Detailed visualization of cellular structures and molecular processes within neurons is essential for understanding synaptic interactions and neuronal behavior. 

Brain Mapping: Researchers systematically map the intricate networks of the brain, aiding in identifying pathways involved in normal brain functions and neurological diseases. 

Electrophysiological Studies: This technology is crucial for monitoring the electrical activities of neurons, providing insights into the fundamental mechanisms of brain signaling and functionality. 

The imaging techniques used in physiology and neuroscience vary. Often, researchers will use multiple optical and imaging methods to monitor activity while characterizing a cell’s morphology, for example. Techniques commonly used in physiology include, but are not limited to: 

• Brightfield  

• Fluorescence 

• Förster (or Fluorescence) Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) 

• Bioluminescence  

• Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)  

• Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) 

• Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) 

• Second and Third Harmonic Generation (SHG/THG) 

• Confocal and multiphoton microscopy 

Challenges in physiology and neuroscience 

Some of the challenges faced by researchers in these fields include:  

• Delicate samples: neuronal tissues are extremely sensitive and require precise and gentle handling and high stability to prevent damage. For live samples, there is a risk of photobleaching when using fluorescent indicators.  

• Heavy, complex equipment: some studies involve whole animals or peripheral equipment such as micromanipulators or patch clamps for live cells.  

• Time-lapse experiments: tracking changes over time requires reliable long-term imaging capabilities. 

• Complex, high-volume datasets that demand robust analysis tools.  

Researchers need equipment that not only provides precise, repeatable sub-micron movements, but that is also highly stable and capable of translating heavy loads and holding them in position over long periods of time.  

In some cases, for highly complex samples or experimental setups, researchers find it more effective to have the sample in a fixed position and to move the microscope on a platform.  

Precise and stable imaging platforms for physiology and neuroscience research 

Prior’s motorized and manual ZDeck systems feature large surfaces to allow for either imaging whole organisms or mounting peripheral equipment for complex experiments. Sample sizes often vary greatly, from single cells to large mammals, so these products also allow for easy height adjustment of the entire platform. Combined with XY movement control for sample navigation, these products make what are often very complex and time-consuming experiments much easier to set up and complete.   

Queensgate’s OP series piezo objective positioners provide fast scanning capabilities with long travel ranges for improved image depth.

Our OpenStand imaging platform is modular and allows users to combine components from Prior and other manufacturers to create inverted or upright imaging systems to exactly suit the experiment and imaging techniques used. 

We offer a choice of platforms for moving the sample or the microscope. The latter option ensures high quality imaging of large samples.  

Our motorized systems feature our patented intelligent scanning technology (IST), which ensures precision when scanning multiple distinct points in a sample.