Perspectives on cellular analysis: linking quantitation to structure and function by instrumental methods and analysis

The last decade has been excellent for microscopy, optics, fluorescence and instruments. The Pre-Meeting Congress this year 'Cellular Analysis: Linking Quantitation to Structure and Function', was the first joint program by the International Society for Analytical Cytology (ISAC) [1] and the Microscopy Society of America (MSA), and reflects the increasing developments in instrumentation of the two societies. There is now considerable overlap in the scientific efforts in imaging and instrumental analysis of these two leading societies, and the international scope of these efforts is now a major contribution of both organizations. We expect this to continue, and this contribution in respective fields only summarizes a complex effort of all. There are several aspects both in communication and in instrumental development to, and the discussion of these efforts contribute to our topic: Imaging, Fluorescence and Flow Cytometry.