title: Confocal microscopy in microgravity research.
abstract: We have studied the application and the feasibility of confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) in microgravity research.  Its superior spatial resolution and 3D imaging capabilities and its use of light as a probe, render this instrument ideally suited for the study of living biological material on a (sub-)cellular level.  In this paper a number of pertinent biological microgravity experiments is listed, concentrating on the direct observation of developing cells and cellular structures under microgravity condition.  A conceptual instrument design is also presented, aimed at sounding rocket application followed by Biorack/Biolab application at a later stage.
authors.affiliation: SRON, Laboratory for Space Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Goede
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Brakenhoff
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Woldringh
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Aalders
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Imhof
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van Kralingen
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Mels
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schreinemakers
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zegers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001757:Blastomeres / Q000166:cytology; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D002477:Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004285:Dogs; D004330:Drosophila; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology; D004867:Equipment Design; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology; D006112:Gravitation; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology; D051379:Mice; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D012399:Rotation; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014893:Weightlessness