The light-sheet microscopy revolution

This paper reviews the rapid advances that have been made in one form of optical biological imaging in the last decade, namely that of light-sheet microscopy. Although the concept was originally presented over one hundred years ago, it was a methodology that lacked the technology to make it a viable tool for practical everyday imaging. However, since its renaissance, it has started to transform in vivo and, increasingly, intact organ imaging in multiple areas of biology. This review looks back at the beginning of the method and then focuses on the crucial role that modern optical technology, frequently developed for other fields, has played in advancing the instrumentation. We also look at the open-source route whereby, through the purchase of a few optical components, researchers have been able to develop their own bespoke instruments. We consider if this may be a route forward for the rapid development of other technological breakthroughs.