Blog

Three Things You Can Do to Make Your Wedding Day Special

Published

5 years ago

September 1, 2019

Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable moments of your life. One of the great things about wedding photography is getting the opportunity to witness some of the most special moments in a couples’ lives. Here are three things you can do to make your wedding day really-really special!

Exchange Notes and A Gift Before the Ceremony

One of the best ways to make your wedding day special is to exchange notes and a gift – as you are getting ready. The gift does not have to be something really expensive. In this case, the old cliché “it’s the thought that counts” happens to have a lot of meaning! I recommend purchasing a nice card and writing a brief note in it on the day of the wedding. If you are planning on getting ready photos, this is a great moment for your Wedding Photographer to capture. It is also great because you can share exactly how you are feeling on the actual day of your wedding. While writing the note a couple of days before your wedding day is fine, I believe that it is a little more emotional to write it on the day of your wedding.

Write Your Own Vows

Another excellent way to make your wedding day special is by writing your own vows. The promises you make to one another in your vows is something you will always remember. Hearing your partner express their feelings can be an emotional experience. And it makes for really great images! Not only will you enjoy this moment – but your friends and family will as well.

Make A Thank You Speech

One other way to make your wedding day special is by planning a thank you speech. While the focus on your wedding day will be focused on you and your partner – giving thanks to certain people can be a special moment. I recommend picking a few people who have been inspirational in you and your partner’s relationship; and then thanking everyone who took the time to attend. Depending on the size of your wedding, you and your partner may not have many opportunities to speak to your wedding guests. Planning a thank you speech is an excellent way to do this.

No matter what you do, your wedding day will be special. Adding a few brief moments to your wedding day can make it even that much more special!

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.