Future of Histology

Key Terms

Advancements

  • Digital pathology

  • Label-free imaging methods

  • 3D imaging techniques

  • Integrating histology and molecular biology

  • Advancements in image analysis

  • Artificial Intelligence


Slide Scanning

Slide scanners - convert a microscope slide into a single high-resolution digital image.

  • they stitch together multiple imagines into one large and detailed image.


Whole-slide Imaging

Automated image stitching


How it works

  1. A tissue sample is prepared and stained on a glass slide.

  2. A specialised slide scanner captures the entire slide.

  3. The scanner produces a very high-resolution digital image.

  4. A pathologist or researcher can view and zoom into the tissue on a computer.


Laser microtomy

Uses lasers to cut or section tissues, rather than replying entirely on a conventional mechanical blade.


How it works

  • A focused laser beam is directed at the tissue and used to make very precise cuts. Depending on the system, the laser can remove or separate extremely small areas of tissue or cells


Virtual Staining

Computer software/AI creates the appearance of a conventional stain on an unstained tissue image.


How it works

Tissue → imaging without conventional stain → AI/computer processing → digitally “stained” image


3D Scanning Electron Microscopy

For 3D SEM, many images or layers of the specimen are collected and then combined using computer software to reconstruct a 3D model.


Expansion microscopy

makes tiny structures in cells and tissues physically larger so they can be viewed in greater detail with a conventional light microscope.


How it works

Tissue → attach molecules to a swellable gel → expand the gel → image the enlarged tissue


Light-sheet microscopy

large, three-dimensional tissue samples quickly while reducing damage from excessive light exposure.


How it works

3D tissue → thin sheet of light → images of successive planes → computer reconstruction → 3D image


Spatial transcriptomics

which genes are being expressed and where those genes are located within a tissue.


How it works

Tissue section → capture RNA → identify gene expression → map genes back to their location → spatial map of the tissue