Microscopy Techniques for Biomedical Education and Healthcare Practice (eBook)

This edited book has a strong focus on advances in microscopy that straddles research, medical education and clinical practice. These advances include the shift in power from conventional to digital microscopy. The first section of this book covers imaging techniques and morphometric image analysis with its applications in biomedicine using different microscopy modes. Chapters highlight the rich development of fluorescence methods and technologies; particle tracking techniques with applications in biomedical research and nanomedicine; the way in which visualizations have revolutionized taxonomy from gross anatomy to genetics; and the psychology of perception and how it affects our understanding of cells and tissues. The book's first section concludes by exploring the use of CT modalities to evaluate anterior deformities in craniosynostosis. In the second section of the book, chapters on anatomical and cell biology education explore the history of anatomical models and their use in educational settings. This includes examples in 3D printing and functional human anatomical models that can be created using easily available resources and the use of biomedical imaging in visuospatial teaching of anatomy; the novel use of ultrasound in medical education and practice; and skill acquisition in histology education using a flowchart called a 'decision tree'.

Leonard Shapiro 

Leonard is a visual artist affiliated with the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He has a keen interest in Anatomy Education and has developed a number of art-based exercises to address and improve students' three-dimensional (3D) spatial awareness and observation ability. His courses and workshops are in collaboration with lecturers who are actively engaged in improving education methodology in anatomy. These are offered to medical students and lecturers in South Africa and abroad. Leonard has developed a multi-sensory observation method that crucially employs the sense of touch (haptics) coupled with the simultaneous act of drawing. It is called the haptico-visual observation and drawing (HVOD) method. In anatomy education, the benefits of using the HVOD method include the enhanced observation of the 3D form of anatomical parts, the cognitive memorization of anatomical parts as a 3D mental picture, improved spatial orientation within the volume of anatomy, and an ability to draw. Leonard has taught the HVOD method at the University of Cape Town (South Africa), Newcastle University (England), the University of British Columbia (Canada), Carnegie Mellon University (USA), the Gordon Museum of Pathology at King's College London (England), University College Cork (Ireland), and Weill Cornell Medical College (USA). Leonard contributes to the anatomy education discourse by presenting at anatomy conferences as well as via publications and articles. Leonard graduated in BSocSci and in BA Fine Art (Hons) from the University of Cape Town.