Uses for Compound Microscopes

Microscopes are used to examine specimens in detail by producing a magnified image of the sample. Compound microscopes contain both an eyepiece lens and an objective lens, which allow for a greater degree of magnification than a simple microscope with only one lens. Compound microscopes can be found in medical offices, scientific laboratories and many classrooms. They are an important instrument for making medical discoveries and finding out more about the world around us.

Environmental Science

• Compound microscopes are used by environmental scientists to study the number and diversity of organisms in a particular region, which can be an excellent indicator of the health of an ecosystem. Often, the source of a disease can be identified with the aid of a microscope. In addition, the structures of animals, plants and microorganisms can be examined. These studies often provide insight into the function of the organism.

Scientific Research

• Compound microscopes are critical in scientific research. They are used to identify cell types, keep track of cell growth and monitor cell health. Many scientists also use microscopes to monitor cellular components that are tagged with fluorescent markers, which can provide insight about the location and function of individual proteins within cells. Compound microscopes can also be used to study cells in an infected state to provide more information about the mechanism of disease.

Medicine

• The medical field relies on compound microscopes for the proper diagnosis of a myriad of diseases. For example, hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, can be diagnosed with the aid of a compound microscope. Also, biopsies are commonly performed so that a tissue sample can be analyzed using a microscope. Histologists use compound microscopes in combination with cell or tissue stains to determine the presence of abnormal cells.

Forensic Science

• The forensic science field uses compound microscopes to aid in the analysis of samples collected from a crime scene. Often, evidence that is not visible to the naked eye can provide critical information about what happened. For example, hair and fiber samples can be matched to a victim or a suspect to help provide a more complete picture of what occurred. In combination with DNA analysis, microscopic evidence can make the difference in solving a crime.

Classrooms

• Students and teachers can use microscopes to gain a greater understanding of the world. For example, studying the surface of paper under a compound microscope can show that it is not truly smooth. Looking at samples of pond water can help students appreciate how complex an ecosystem is. Examining bacteria and other cells under the microscope can help students better understand the images and illustrations seen in textbooks.