LS-01 - Label-free life science imaging

Label-free optical imaging refers to optical measurements performed on biological samples or living organisms without the need for utilizing labeling agents. Optical detection methods for label-free imaging are typically based on internal contrast mechanisms of the sample; for example, its ability to delay the light interacting with the sample due to refractive index changes, or its ability to create unique optical spectroscopic, auto-fluorescence, or birefringence or acoustic signatures. Bio applications of ptychography include cell proliferation; following the cell cycle, monitoring apoptosis and cell tracking. Advances in micro-CT and its applications are welcome to this session too.

LS-02 - Dynamic interactions in cells, organoids, tissue, and entire organisms

Temporal imaging is essential to uncover and quantify complex dynamic information in biological systems. This session will focus on multi-scale live imaging, from 2D and 3D cell cultures to whole organisms, and will highlight the role of state-of-the-art imaging techniques (e.g., light-sheet and 3-Photon Microscopy) in the unveiling of new biological processes. Among the topics covered by this session are recent advances in organoid imaging, tissue imaging and intravital imaging used to study cell-cell interactions, proliferation and differentiation during development and regeneration.

LS-03 - Imaging sub-cellular events at high resolution using light microscopy

Recent developments include improvement in the speed of acquisition, tracking the trajectories of single molecules while imaging, high-throughput approaches and development of new probes. Emphasis of the session will be on the applications of various super-resolution techniques and light sheet microscopy at sub-cellular level.

LS-04 - Correlative microscopy of biological systems

Correlative and multimodal imaging is a workflow that combines a sequence of various imaging modalities to analyse the same sample, to link structure and function in a biological system. While covering a range of methodological implementations on various model systems this session will also focus on examples of ground-breaking applications in Biology. We would welcome contributions that promote correlating any of such imaging modalities including cryogenic and volumetric approaches (but not restricted to): fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and tomography, cryo-EM, volume EM (SBF-SEM, FIB-SEM, array tomography etc), microCT, soft X-ray tomography, AFM, and spatial chemical and molecular analysis (e.g. nanoSIMS, orbiSIMS, spatial transcriptomics). We include the critical aspects of sample preparation and data analysis for correlative and multimodal imaging.

LS-05 - Pathology, immunocytochemistry, and biomolecular labelling

This session focuses on electron and/or light microscopy approaches for the localization of biomolecules in cells and tissues. In particular new biomolecular labelling approaches as well as immunocytochemistry in relation to pathological conditions will be emphasized. Oral or poster contributions dealing with new methodological concepts, as well as with new types of probes, are of particular interest.

LS-06 - Host-pathogen interactions & virology

Microscopy features heavily in the fundamental investigation of disease in all organisms. Many models of infection can be used to study pathogens, whether it be isolated molecular interactions, cultured cell lines, primary cells, organoids or tissues. From low magnification of pathological tissues, through fluorescence and live cell imaging, to electron microscopy/tomography and structural biology of pathogens in cells, there is an ever-expanding range of microscopy techniques we use to gain insight into host responses and pathogen biology. Often techniques are used in combination to provide complementary information into questions involving viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. In this session we will hear from researchers carrying out fundamental science studies on pathogens using microscopy which will ultimately lead to improvements in health and the environment.

LS-08 - In-situ structural cell biology

Single-particle cryo-EM has emerged as a widely used method for solving in vitro protein structures. However, this technique may not be suitable for delicate biological complexes and large supramolecular structures. In such cases, imaging them in their native cellular environment using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) becomes necessary. With the advancements in cryo-focused ion beam milling, which allow researchers to open windows in the core of cells, the potential of this approach is being realized. The session will cover in situ structural cell biology latest advancements and challenges.