Accomplished scientists will be on hand for visitors' queries and introductions to new techniques during these seminars at Microscience 2004 in London in July
Every scientist knows the danger of spending most of their time working, and having little time for updating their own knowledge. The answer for microscopy users may well be the Learning Zone, which runs alongside the largest microscopical exhibition in Europe, as well as a three-day conference of leading scientists. Free to all visitors, the Learning Zone takes place at Microscience 2004, 6-8 July at London's Excel centre.
The Learning Zone offers scientists the chance to learn new microscopical techniques from their peers and an opportunity to discuss any difficulties they may be having with specimens.
The light microscope is one of the most important scientific instruments, but many users would benefit from a greater understanding of how it operates and how to use it to best advantage.
Help on transmitted and reflected light microscopy will be available, from basic principles to specialised techniques, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own specimens.
Exhibitors, such as Leica, Olympus and Zeiss have donated equipment for use over the three-day period.
Imaging tutorials will help users wade through the various ways of processing images.
With a number of PC workstations available in the Learning Zone, visitors will have an opportunity to explore methods such as scaling of images in real values, time-lapse, Z-series, and 3D deconvolution.
Specimen preparation is a fundamental part of microscopy and the Learning Zone will cover some basic principals.
This will include standard and high-resolution coating of SEM samples, an overview of TEM specimen preparation, and sample cleaning and handling.
Again visitors are welcome to bring their own samples for discussion. The Learning Zone will also have an area dedicated to microscopy on the internet.
This will give advice on the latest software available on the internet, and will include live link-ups to microscopes in operation around the UK.
As part of the Royal Microscopical Society's remit of teaching people about microscopy, the Learning Zone is entirely free and will operate on a 'turn up and learn' basis.
Even if attendees are experts in their own field, the Learning Zone is a time-efficient, no-cost way of keeping up-to-date across the broad spectrum of microscopy.
