Editorial: Live cell imaging: Cell and developmental research bridging education, optical engineering, industry, software, shared facilities

Abstract

Optical imaging is one of the original technological pillars of biomedical research, spanning centuries of discovery. Drive for biological understanding has fueled significant progress in imaging tool development, ranging from illumination sources, detectors, and mechanical stages, to novel optical components and analysis strategies. The number and variety of optical imaging tools is now so vast that in some cases cutting-edge technologies require specialized training across a wide set of skills. Considering the exponential growth in imaging tools, fruitful and conducive partnerships between academic researchers, commercial vendors, and instrument facilitators, such as core facility managers and staff, are more important than ever.