The expansion and advancement of microscopical applications has led to exciting new developments, not least in the field of 3D Array Tomography and Volume Imaging.
At Harvard University, Professor Jeff Lichtman, PhD, MD, and his team designed an instrument (ATUM) capable of collecting very large sets of serial sections (30,000+) in an unattended and computer controlled operation, to help reconstruct the brain’s neural pathways — a precursor to one day mapping the entire human brain. The ATUM is connected to and controlled by RMC Boeckeler’s PowerTome ultramicrotome, to form the ATUMtome (Automatic Tape Collecting Ultramicrotome).
While developed initially for the neurosciences, the versatile nature of serial collection combined with the precise and robust capabilities of the PowerTome, has seen the use of the ATUMtome expand into other research areas.