My cochlear stem cell SEMs!
It was only after seeing the structures with the electron microscope…
that these collaborators realized they were on the right track in producing stereocilia from cochlear stem cells. I do weekly imaging sessions for them to follow the course of their experimentation, improve on physiological conditions, wile optimizing correlative techniques between light and EM imaging. A lot of time is spent searching for the proper cell development (at 5,000x magnification that is quite a challenge on a 12mm circular plate!). Optimizing the SEM signal for high-resolution imaging of structures a few micron in length, and the tip-links at the nano-scale, this remains a challenge for Tungsten-filament Variable Pressure SEM. Eurekas and high-fives are common during the imaging sessions!