Diffraction Patterns of Live C. Elegans: Acquisition and Analysis

Ideal studies of any type of biological systems are conducted in the subject's natural environment. Microscopy has made huge strides during recent years. Images of life systems are not only available but phenomenal. Nevertheless, powerful microscopic systems can be costly with images tied to focal planes. Sometimes there are other hard to control parameters such as wavelength, intensities, and phosphorescence. Here we present an alternative technique to observe physical and biological parameters of live C.elegans using diffraction. Physical parameters such as worm growth can be observed and quantified over extended time periods using video analysis. Three-dimensional organismal activity, such as locomotion, behavioral response to crowding, egg-laying or physiological processes such as defecation, can also be observed in real-time and quantified. Experimental setup and limitingparameters of diffraction experiments are explicitly discussed. The commentary will elaborate on the hardware for this type of diffraction experiment.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide