From the reviews:
"...deserves to do well." -Ultramicroscopy
"The book covers a wide range of experimental imaging methods for the investigation of cells. … The book is well produced, with many excellent photographs and diagrams, and I have enjoyed broadening my awareness of techniques that not only did I not know in detail but in some cases not even know existed. A nice book … ." (D. J. Cook, British Journal of Biomedical Science, Vol. 63 (2), 2006)
"This 21-chapter volume … provides detailed descriptions of and prools for a plethora of microscopy and related methods to study tissues, cells and macromolecules. … This comprehensive and well rounded book is suitable for institutional or personal purchase, novices and experts, and it is certainly a must-read for all serious confocal microscopists and imaging facility managers." (Andreas Holzenburg, Microbiology Today, August, 2006)
"Douglas Taatjes and Brooke Mossman have edited a compilation of 21 articles. … The subjects covered are very diverse, ranging from light microscopy to electron microscopy. … In summary, this book provides an excellent overview on current and relevant imaging techniques. The described methods and prools are not only of particular interest to those who are new in the field or who have to expand their imaging capability above regular light microscopy. The book will serve as a reference for years to come … ." (Carsten Schultz, ChemBioChem, Vol. 7, 2006)
"This text will be extremely useful. … it is a collection of advanced and sometimes disparate microscopy techniques and their application to biological research. … The authors include highly detailed descriptions and instructions on the low-level methods computer programmers use for acquisition, storage, and manipulation of digital image data." (Steven Ruzin, Microscope, Vol. 54, 2006)
Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: Using a hand-made light microscope, Robert Hooke made the first detailed observations of everyday objects in 1665. Since that time, powerful and elegant new microscopy-based systems have evolved to analyze cellular and sub-cellular organization. Imaging technologies are essential research tools in most laboratories. This compact, hard cover book presents "state-of-the art methods for imaging cells and biomolecules." It includes 21 detail-oriented chapters on topics ranging from "visualizing calcium signaling in cells" to "laser capture microdissection". Overview chapters are also included to provide background and balance. The primary focus is on cell biology and biophysics, with step-by-step instructions to ensure successful results.
Purpose: The book is part of the popular "Methods in Molecular Biology" series. According to the editors, its purpose is to present "an eclectic collection of...essential state-of-the-art methods for imaging cells and molecules." The editors hope that readers will be encouraged to try some new techniques.
Audience: The book is written primarily for basic science and clinical researchers (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists) interested in the application of microscopy to the study of cell biology. The book will be valued by a wide audience of microscopists, as well as those interested in the interface between cell biology, biophysics, and biotechnology.
Features: Each chapter contains a helpful summary, brief introduction, detailed protocols, and a list of references. The "notes section" provides details and helpful tips. The figures, diagrams, and tables are useful and informative. Color plates illustrate many of the imaging techniques under discussion. The authors are outstanding experts in the field. In addition to providing step-by-step instructions, the authors often highlight interesting applications and experimental findings.
Assessment: This book provides a gold mine of information for scientists who use a microscope to study cell structure. A major strength of this book is that it introduces new imaging techniques. Each author delves into a different aspect of the rapidly growing field. The book is carefully edited. The reader is assumed to have a basic understanding of modern imaging techniques. One minor criticism is that this book is not comprehensive. Many real-time imaging techniques are not addressed (e.g., FRET microscopy and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching). In addition, many of the techniques described require sophisticated hardware and software that are not universally available. I recommend this book for research scientists who wish to expand their repertoire of imaging techniques. It will be a valued handbook and guide for years to come.
