The latest Business updates from the science industry
Microscopy & Microtechniques by Gwyneth Astles Acquisition to advance imaging and research solutions
Leica Microsystems, renowned for its cutting-edge microscopy and imaging technologies, has announced the acquisition of ATTO- TEC, a key player in the development of specialty fl uorescent dyes and reagents. This acquisition strengthens Leica’s ability to offer a complete microscopy imaging workfl ow, further supporting researchers in a range of scientifi c fi elds.
The integration of ATTO-TEC’s high-performance dyes and reagents with Leica’s advanced microscopy platforms, AI-based analysis tools, and imaging solutions is expected to streamline research processes and boost the accuracy of results. This acquisition is particularly timely, as researchers increasingly focus on complex, high-plex 3D experiments in areas such as cancer research.
Dr Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems, highlighted the strategic value of this acquisition: “By bringing ATTO-TEC’s expertise into our portfolio, we can now support every aspect of the microscopy imaging workfl ow. This integrated approach will deliver more reliable outcomes and accelerate discoveries that can contribute to advancing medical therapies.”
ATTO-TEC is widely recognised for its high-quality products,
including their signature fl uorescent dyes like ATTO 488 and ATTO 647N, which have become standards in fl uorescence microscopy. Known for their exceptional brightness and photostability, these dyes are critical for applications that demand precision and clarity. The company’s suite of products also includes antibody labelling kits and phospholipids, which will continue to be offered through ATTO-TEC’s online platform and existing distribution channels.
Dr Jörg Reichwein, CEO of ATTO-TEC, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Joining Leica Microsystems allows us to integrate our expertise with their industry-leading imaging technologies. Together, we can develop even more specialised assays, kits, and dyes, optimised for every stage of the imaging workfl ow.”
This acquisition marks a signifi cant step forward in Leica Microsystems’ mission to enable breakthrough research, enhance scientifi c discovery, and contribute to improving human health through advanced imaging technologies.
Super-resolution image of cleared zebrafish heart tissue. Sample Courtesy of Dr Mariano Gonzales Pisfil and Dr Steffen Dietzel from the Biomedical Centre at Ludwig-Maximilians- University Munich, Germany.
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High-precision mirror advances laser- driven particle acceleration experiments
A 305 mm diameter spherical mirror has been delivered to the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research (GSI) in Germany to support novel experiments in particle acceleration.
The mirror is used in studies of electron acceleration within medium- density gas jets, with the aim of generating x-ray and gamma ray sources for diagnostic applications in high-energy density physics. These experiments employ the Petawatt High-Energy Laser for heavy Ion eXperiments (PHELIX), a laser system capable of delivering pulses up to 1 kilojoule in energy or 500 terawatts in power.
Dr Johannes Hornung, from GSI’s Plasma Physics department, noted that the experiments require a high F-number fi nal focusing mirror to achieve a well-defi ned focal spot with a long Rayleigh length, enabling extended interaction with the gas jet. Previous
lower F-number optics did not meet these requirements. Optical Surfaces Ltd supplied the necessary new component according to our demanding specifi cations.
The mirror features a high damage threshold to withstand the intense laser pulses used, along with very high refl ectivity to minimise energy loss, and a highly precise surface fi nish to ensure uniform energy distribution in the laser focus.
GSI’s PHELIX laser system delivers ultrashort pulses with energies up to 200 Joules within 500 femtoseconds, focused to micrometre-scale spots to reach intensities exceeding 10²¹ W/ cm², suitable for laser-driven acceleration of particles ranging from protons to electrons.
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A snapshot of laser-plasma interaction with the gas nozzle (black region). The ‘bright line’ is coming from the self-emission of the plasma where the PHELIX laser intensity is the highest. Credit: GSI/FAIR
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Microscopy Conference 2025, Karlsruhe - Germany
Microscopists from across Europe and beyond will gather in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 31 August to 4 September 2025, for the Microscopy Conference MC 2025 - a major event on the scientifi c calendar for experts in electron, light, and scanning probe microscopy.
Organised jointly by the Austrian, German, and Swiss Societies for Electron Microscopy (ASEM, DGE, and SSOM), MC 2025 is expected to draw over 1,000 attendees. The conference will feature cutting-edge research from the life and materials sciences, alongside sessions on instrumentation and novel microscopy methods.
The main event will be held at Messe Karlsruhe, a modern venue with extensive space for technical exhibitions, scientifi c sessions, and networking. The conference will open with hands-on workshops at the Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology (KIT), which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025.
MC 2025 will offer a packed programme of plenary lectures, invited talks, contributed presentations, poster sessions, and award ceremonies. A particular focus will be on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and supporting early-career scientists.
With its blend of academic rigour, technical innovation, and a vibrant international community, MC 2025 promises to be a milestone event in the fi eld of microscopy.
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