Diverse fluorochromes that can be excited with single monochrome light but emit fluorescence of different wavelengths, such as quantum dots, require only one filter cube to visualize them all and can thus markedly increase the detection speed as well as the number of targets that can be monitored simultaneously. Considering the huge number of biomolecules working in a cell, many at low copy number, a difficult challenge will be to dramatically increase fluorescence detection sensitivity and channels. It is likely that the future will bring continuous improvements in these technologies, yielding more molecular detection methods and higher spatiotemporal resolution. Recent advances in super-resolution microscopes even allow time-lapse assays with nano-scale resolution ( Chi, 2009 ), which will no doubt greatly facilitate our understanding of cells. Spinning-disk or laser scanning confocal microscopes provide excellent spatiotemporal resolution ( Stephens and Allan, 2003 ). A wide range of fluorescent proteins, fluorochromes, and probes are now available as markers ( Wang et al., 2008 ). It enables direct visualization of in vivo cellular activities and therefore offers unique advantages over in vitro studies or studies using fixed cells ( Stephens and Allan, 2003 Weijer, 2003 ).Ĭonsiderable progress has been made in both detection methods and equipment for live cell imaging. Live cell fluorescence microscopy appears to fit nicely with both Oriental and Western philosophies.
Yin and yang how to#
However, how to assemble this detailed information on individual parts into a full image of the living cell remains a major challenge. Yet great achievements in life sciences have been made in recent times by using Western methodologies, i.e., dissecting complex systems into ever smaller components, resulting in rapid accumulation of knowledge regarding mechanisms of cell organization and function. Because the yin-yang theory could be used to explain virtually all dynamic biological changes, investigations on detailed mechanisms were not encouraged.
This idea, now recognized as positive and negative feedback or regulation networks, also forms the basis of Chinese medicine. Their interplay is therefore thought to maintain the dynamic balance of life.
Yin and yang are referred to as two opposite forces that are mutually dependent and intertransformable, as depicted in the famous Taiji Diagram. Interestingly, more than 2000 years ago, with the simple concept of yin and yang, the ancient Chinese seemed able to explain in principle how life works.