Slices of Life

To see how genetic mutations affect the development and physiology of fruit flies (Drosophila), scientists can now use ultramicroscopy – a technique that produces ultra-detailed 3D images of a fly’s insides. First, water in the specimen is replaced with a solution that allows laser beams to better penetrate the tissue. Then an extremely thin, flat laser beam is shone horizontally through the fly layer by layer. As the laser passes through the body, it makes each thin slice of tissue fluoresce, and the light is captured in a microscopic snapshot each time. Finally, the images are digitally stitched together to create a 3D model. This cross-sectional plane (pictured) shows tissues inside a fly’s head, including its eye. Each scan takes only 30 minutes, so scientists can quickly image lots of specimens. The technique is also used to study brain cell networks in mice, and to investigate cancerous tumours in humans.

Written by Daniel Cossins

Daniel Cossins

Writer

As a freelance science writer, Dan's work has been published in award-winning magazines including BBC Focus, Wired UK, Cosmos, BBC Knowledge, BBC History and Men's Health.

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• Hans Dodt & Saideh Saghafi
• Vienna University of Technology