Helping to Light the way in Biology in the Eye and Blood Vessels

Optical imaging has always played a major role in helping biologists to observe and subsequently understand what is taking place in complex biological systems. Around 400 years ago there was a major rush of new discoveries as the first reliable optical microscopes started to reveal what takes place at the cellular level. In the past twenty years there has been a similar rush in new optical methods of observing samples, linked with advances in genetic manipulation to label specific biological processes. However, frequently in the stampede to use a new method the core question of helping to understand life is forgotten. In this presentation two areas of recent work will demonstrate how by specifically understanding the real biological questions being asked optical instrumentation can advance understanding, and when this is linked to simple modelling new insights into biological processes can be made.
The talk will concentrate on two specific areas, using micro-optics, image analysis and computer simulations to help understand vascular endothelia cellular sensing, and using light sheet microscopy to follow the emerging optical properties of the developing eye. As well as presenting the novel instrumentation, modelling and biology the examples will also be used to illustrate how true advances can be made through integrated multidisciplinary research.