In July, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Microscience Microscopy Congress Incorporating the Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group. This was held in Manchester at the Central Convention Complex.
I was invited to present a poster on my elective project titled “Comparison of Tissue Clearing Techniques for Skin Imaging via Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy”. This project aimed to compare three methods of tissue clearing to determine the most optimal method for human skin, as well as determine whether samples previously embedded in paraffin wax were viable for clearing and imaging via light sheet microscopy. Due to the wide array and variability between tissue clearing methods I was afforded a great deal of responsibility and autonomy in designing the protocols as well as selecting the appropriate primary and secondary antibodies in consultation with the pathology and microscopy departments. I was very pleased with the results and excited to share them.
I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss my elective research project and trade tips with senior academics grappling with similar techniques. In addition, the staggering array of topics covered by other posters, from plant science to nuclear engineering, to community microscopy outreach was very impressive. Allowing to me talk to scientists engaged in vastly different fields, all bridged by their interest in microscopy.
I attended as many sessions as I was able during the conference, of particular interest to me was Uri Manor, from the University of California, who provided a fascinating presentation on organelle mobility in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. A condition which I am only familiar with due to pre-clinical medical school lectures.
Overall, I have found the experience to be an incredible inspiration that I hope to channel into ongoing and future projects. I would recommend other medical students take part in similar events and present their work. It’s an excellent opportunity both to see the cutting edge of scientific development as well as to discuss medicine with others interested in research.
