Computer Graphic Displays for Microscopists Assisting in Evaluating Radiation-Damaged Cells

Computer analysis of digitized images of cells and tissues has developed into a highly refined methodology. In particular, the nuclear chromatin has numerous features that allow reliable recognition and classification of cells. This was hardly a surprise to cyto-pathologists, since chromatin texture and staining properties have always provided valuable clues for visual diagnosis. However, two aspects of computer assessment came as a surprise. First, there was the consistency with which chromatin distribution patterns express the state of the cell, its differentiation, [1] and the sensitivity with which a change in the cell’s environment is reflected in the chromatin. Second, chromatin texture provides highly discriminating, objectively measurable features [2, 3] that are not perceived by human visual assessment.