What Types of Things Are Microscopes Used For?

Microscopes greatly magnify samples for viewing. Magnification enables the detailed study of specimens, many of which you cannot see with the naked eye. There are some professions, such as doctors and scientists, that use a microscope on a daily basis. However, any person interested in gathering information about living organisms or non-living specimens can use a microscope to help gather data.

The Use of Microscopes by Doctors

• Doctors use microscopes to diagnose and treat disease. A doctor can use a microscope to detect abnormally shaped cells in sickle-cell anemia. People with this disease have red blood cells in the shape of a sickle instead of round, and this sickle shape is visible when examined under a microscope.

  Doctors called pathologists will commonly take tissue samples and treat them with various reagents and stains. This will allow the pathologist to better visualize tissues and cells when examined under the microscope. The trained eye of the pathologist uses these specimens to diagnose diseases, including cancer.

  Doctors also use microscopes attached to cameras for various surgical procedures. This enables doctors to make smaller incisions in the patient, which can prevent infection and decrease the amount of time needed for a full recovery.

Microscopes in Science

• Scientists use microscopes for many reasons. Field biologists, for example, collect specimens from the field and take them back to the lab for microscopic study. They can gather information about the number and diversity of organisms within a sample, which helps them to better understand the health of the ecosystem they are studying.

  Cell biologists use a microscope and other techniques to locate a particular protein within the cell. They can see how different proteins interact with each other. This leads to a greater understanding of how cells work.

  Forensic scientists use microscopes to compare bullets from crime scenes to bullets fired from a known gun to determine if they match. They can also examine fibers and other evidence found at a crime scene.

  Other scientists use microscopes using a beam of electrons to examine specimens in great detail. Electron microscopes allow the viewing of extremely small specimens, such as viruses. Scientists even examine the surfaces of individual atoms using atomic force microscopes.

Microscopes for Students and Teachers

• Students of all ages can use a microscope, especially with the help of a teacher. Many older students use microscopes to aid in the dissection of plants or animals. Younger students may use a microscope to study common objects in greater detail. In general, students can use microscopes to gain a better understanding of the world around them.