Microscopes in Science: Applications and Uses

The microscope is used in a variety of scientific fields for many different purposes. Whether it be in forensics or traditional medical science, the microscope is an indispensable instrument.

Tissue Analysis

• It is common for histologists to study cells and tissues using the microscope. For example, if a section of tissue is taken for analysis, histologists can use a microscope in combination with other tools to determine if the sample is cancerous.

Examining Forensic Evidence

• Evidence collected at a crime scene may contain information that is not visible to the naked eye. For example, striations in bullets can be examined under a microscope to see if they match bullets shot from a particular gun.

Determining the Health of an Ecosystem

• It is common for field biologists to monitor the health of a particular ecosystem, such as a stream, by using microscopes to identify the number and diversity of organisms in a particular region over time.

Studying the Role of a Protein within a Cell

• Research scientists find microscopes an invaluable tool when they study the function of proteins within cells. With today's technology, many proteins can be labeled with a tag and studied in live cells.

Studying atomic structures

• Powerful microscopes such as atomic force microscopes have aided scientists in studying the surfaces of individual atoms.