Imaging

Optical imaging is a continuosly evolving field which brings more and more sophisticated visualization technologies and methods to the biomedical community, making it an essential and versatile tool for both researchers and clinicians.

Cancer research has particularly benefited from the physical properties of the light: as a matter of fact, the different ways light interacts with cells and tissues paved the way to multiple contrasts methods which are now routinely in use to explore and unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms of tumor formation and development.

The interpretation of these photophysical events and the acquisition of morphological and functional information of the relevant biological systems is possible only through synergies between different disciplines such as biology, physics, chemistry and bioinformatics.

At IFOM, the Imaging Technological Development Unit (TDU) provides state-of-the-art technological platforms in the field of light microscopy, flow cytometry and cell sorting. A team of highly qualified and experienced people with different scientific backgrounds support IFOM's research activities, not only during the preparation and acquisition of the sample, but also in post-processing of data and image analysis.

The available systems meet the needs and demands of both senior researchers using sophisticated methods and technologies and students at the beginning of their scientific career who require assistance and dedicated training for professional development.