Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis

The Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis is a technology platform specialized in high end light and electron microscopy, supporting the research community at the University of Zurich. Our mission is to give our scientists the tools and technical expertise they need to generate reliable and reproducible scientific data using state-of-the-art microscopy. Scientists from other academic organisations and industry are also welcome to use all resources. We have over 40 years of experience in educating, training, and assisting researchers using the latest cutting edge imaging techniques.
The Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis is a technology platform specialized in high end light and electron microscopy, supporting the research community at the University of Zurich. Our mission is to give our scientists the tools and technical expertise they need to generate reliable and reproducible scientific data using state-of-the-art microscopy. Scientists from other academic organisations and industry are also welcome to use all resources. We have over 40 years of experience in educating, training, and assisting researchers using the latest cutting edge imaging techniques.
The Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis is a technology platform specialized in high end light and electron microscopy, supporting the research community at the University of Zurich. Our mission is to give our scientists the tools and technical expertise they need to generate reliable and reproducible scientific data using state-of-the-art microscopy. Scientists from other academic organisations and industry are also welcome to use all resources. We have over 40 years of experience in educating, training, and assisting researchers using the latest cutting edge imaging techniques.
The Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis is a technology platform specialized in high end light and electron microscopy, supporting the research community at the University of Zurich. Our mission is to give our scientists the tools and technical expertise they need to generate reliable and reproducible scientific data using state-of-the-art microscopy. Scientists from other academic organisations and industry are also welcome to use all resources. We have over 40 years of experience in educating, training, and assisting researchers using the latest cutting edge imaging techniques.
The Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis is a technology platform specialized in high end light and electron microscopy, supporting the research community at the University of Zurich. Our mission is to give our scientists the tools and technical expertise they need to generate reliable and reproducible scientific data using state-of-the-art microscopy. Scientists from other academic organisations and industry are also welcome to use all resources. We have over 40 years of experience in educating, training, and assisting researchers using the latest cutting edge imaging techniques.

Help Center

New User?

Do you want to use our microscopes for your project? Whether you are academia or industry, register today!

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IT Support

• Issue accessing virtual machines
• Problems with data storage
• Assistance with Password reset

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Microscopy application specialist

• Troubleshooting microscopes
• Assistance with sample preparation and optimization
• Training request (only for registered users)
• Adjust or cancel existing bookings
• Equipment availability inquiries

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Image Processing Specialist

• Image Analysis consulting
• Software guidance
• Assistance with image processing workflows
• Custom image analysis solutions
• Requests for software installations or updates

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Administration

• General inquiries
• Inquiries about service feed and billing issues
• Issues with access cards
• New access card request (for externals)
• Assistance for registration process

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What we offer

Experimental Consultation

We provide technical and scientific support or consultation for projects involving microscopy and sample preparation. We will help you select the most appropriate instrument for your project. If necessary, sample preparation and imaging can also be requested as a service.

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Training and Tutorials

We offer professional scientific and technical training for beginners as well as experienced investigators.

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Independent Use

All instruments can be used independently by you (after the training is completed), You can reserve and use instruments 24 x 7. The ZMB staff is available to support you from 8:00 - 17:00 (Mo - Fr).

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Available Techniques

Confocal microscopy

Confocal microscopy provides optical sectioning by using a laser to illuminate a sample and a pinhole to block out-of-focus light, creating detailed 3D reconstructions of cells and tissues. It offers high contrast and clarity, essential for studying complex biological processes.

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Wide-field microscopy

Wide-field microscopy uses broad illumination to capture images of entire samples quickly and easily, ideal for observing live cells and large sample areas. It provides a comprehensive view, making it a fundamental tool for general observation and initial assessments.

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Super-resolution microscopy

Super-resolution microscopy includes techniques like pixel reasignment, Expansion microscopy, SIM, STED, and dSTORM, which surpass the diffraction limit of light, achieving high-resolution molecular imaging. These methods reveal fine details at the nanometer scale, crucial for understanding cellular mechanisms.

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Light-sheet microscopy

Light-sheet microscopy uses thin sheets of light for fast, high-contrast 3D imaging with minimal photodamage. It is beneficial for imaging large, live specimens, allowing observation of dynamic biological processes in real-time.

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Multiphoton microscopy

Multiphoton microscopy uses low-energy photons for deep tissue imaging with reduced photodamage and photobleaching. It is valuable for high-resolution imaging of thick, living tissues, and observing dynamic biological processes in real-time.

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Cryo-electron microscopy

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) rapidly freezes samples to preserve their native state, allowing near-atomic resolution imaging of biological macromolecules, providing detailed insights into the structure and function of proteins, viruses, and cellular components.

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Electron microsocpy (TEM & SEM)

Electron microscopy (EM) uses electron beams for high-resolution imaging. TEM reveals internal structures at atomic levels, SEM provides 3D surface images, and EDX analyzes elemental composition, essential for identifying materials and studying their properties.

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Sample Preparation

Sample preparation for light and electron microscopy involves tools like pipetting robot, e-beam and sputter coaters, glow discharger, ultramicrotomes, cryostat, high-pressure freezer and grid plunger.

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Image Analysis

Image analysis in microscopy processes and interprets images to extract data, enhance contrast, and visualize 3D structures. Advanced software and algorithms quantify features, identify patterns, and analyze spatial relationships, providing insights into specimen morphology and function.

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