Episode 2: Sample Preparation for Volume-EM

Intricate 3D ultrastructural information can be delivered by SEM technologies and methods, known collectively as Volume EM (vEM). vEM drives new discoveries in neurobiology, cancer research, developmental biology, plant science, and more. This six-part webinar series will explore the technological foundations of vEM imaging and highlight the growing number of application areas.

In this webinar, we aim to explore the impact of sample preparation on various aspects of Volume EM, from sample preparation to data acquisition and processing. The complexity and breadth of the field preclude a one-size-fits-all approach, yet we aim to shed light on common challenges and necessary considerations. Overall, this webinar aims to equip participants with tangible examples and insights to critically evaluate and enhance their sample preparation techniques, tailored to their unique research needs.

Key Learnings:

• How factors such as fixation, contrast, and embedding type affect the resolution, acquisition speed, and overall quality of the resultant images
• The variability in sample mounting and trimming, contingent upon the specific goals of image acquisition and the desired outcomes
• Strategies for targeting regions of interest on a stub or block, and how mounting techniques can influence both charging and imaging conditions
• The challenges of micrograph processing, and how sample preparation not only affects the interpretation of images but also the ease of reconstruction
• How to fine-tune image parameters during pre-processing to identifying different cell types and improve image segmentation tasks