On December 14th, Emilia and I went with Adam to meet the Bio Imaging Unit. Microscope roadshow team run by a collaboration between the Patricia Goggin from the Biomedical Imaging Unit at Southampton General Hospital and students on the biomedical sciences course here at the University of Southampton.
Biomedical Imaging Unit, Southampton
The Biomedical Imaging Unit, ****is a joint University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust/University of Southampton facility for high quality/high resolution diagnostic and research microscopy.
“As a multi-user facility supported by highly experienced and expert imaging staff, the Biomedical Imaging Unit can provide a complete supporting workflow for internal and external users in all aspects of imaging from experimental design, proof of concept tests, user training, sample preparation, imaging, interpretation, processing and analysis of specimens, data management and archiving.”
We spoke to the staff and students at this roadshow about the microscopes and types of images that they are able to produce over at their unit. They showed us some really cool examples of interesting visuals they have been able to produce and I was able to have a conversation with Patricia Goggin about what artefacts they use. I basically just wanted to know everything about all the images she was able to show us.
Above is the gallery of images they showed us at the roadshow. It was explained to us that these images are taken from microscopic viewings of all sorts of human and animal cells, such as skin, blood and proteins. Under the microscope these images are far less colourful and they actually add the colour on themselves after photography to help illustrate the different parts of the cells and extenuate the details for viewing. We were told that we were able to visit the team over at Southampton General Hospital once it was safe to do so, and there they could show us how they get these amazing colours.
We were also able to take a look at the microscope and screening technology ourselves. They had some interesting artefacts to look at ourselves such as leaves, plastics and cotton. Here is a photograph below of Emilia with the microscope set-up. We were told that we were able to get in contact with them if we wanted to bring some of our own materials to take a look at.
The students on the Biomedical Sciences course also spoke to us about these little magnified lenses you can attach to your phone camera to get some interesting photographs and videos. This is a super cool little device that is easy to get a hold of for just £5 on amazon and will allow us to carry out some fun experimentation ourselves.
