Virtual Microscope
Students have traditionally examined the structure of cells and body tissues using microscopes to view thin (10-100 micron) sections cut through different organs and other parts of the body. Recent technical developments have made it possible to scan these tissue sections electronically and to record them as high-resolution digital images that can be accessed via a networked computer. Current technology enables the user to interact with the digitised image in much the same way as in conventional microscopy - for example navigating around the image and viewing it at a range of magnifications. Tissue sections can also be scanned at more than one focal plane, making it possible to focus digitally through the thickness of the original section, as in conventional microscopy.Live Demonstrations
We have prepared an Introduction to the Virtual Microsope (Please note this video requires the Flash player plugin).
The presentation assumes no knowledge of histology, takes about 20 minutes and covers the following topics:
- what is a virtual microscope
- what is histology
- issues of scale and magnification
- the properties of 'pyramid' image files
- demonstration of 'pyramid' images files using a satellite image
- why study histology?
- pros and cons
- live demonstration using the VM
- microscopes and their role in teaching
- link to the demonstration area within the VM
We also have a live demonstration available - Live Virtual Microscope demonstration
Simply 'Register' as a 'New User' by entering the information requested and using the 'Activation Key' uobvm. If you come back to the site you would choose the 'Existing User' option in which case it will ask for the 'username' that the registration process requires you to choose.
Digital image archive
We are currently creating a digital image archive by scanning our existing collection of high quality tissue sections that have been prepared over the last thirty years by technicians in the Departments of Anatomy and Physiology. The tissue sections have been stained using many different methods to reveal microanatomical and histological features at their best. Much of our material is very valuable and the digital archive will preserve such material in perpetuity as well as offering facilities such as on-screen annotations of the digital images and the ability to simultaneously display normal and pathological material via a 'split-screen' facility.
An example from our archive is shown below.
Small animal femur (at 8 weeks of age) showing epiphyseal plates, the site of new bone growth for elongation of bone (stained blue). Lowest available magnification. Note: inset (top right) with green square shows area being viewed in main window.
Use in teaching, learning and assessment
We integrate the 'virtual' microscope with traditional histology teaching so that students are able to access web-based digital images of tissue sections as well as using conventional light microscopy in laboratory-based histology practical classes. The virtual microscope is also used in lectures, for self-directed (including off-campus) learning, and for formative and summative assessment. Material that is appropriate for a wide range of students in life sciences is available, as well as specialist collections of veterinary material and oral microanatomy (example). The latter resource is used primarily by dental students in their 'virtual laboratory' learning sessions, but also by dental professionals, zoologists and comparative anatomists. This part of the archive also includes 'training slides' in histological techniques.
The ability to share the resources of the virtual microscope with other institutions, via the academic network, is an important objective of the project.