This week’s featured 3D prints are microscope holders. The Mir Lab is interested in using microscopy to study the mechanisms underlying gene activation in the context of early animal development. These holders allow lab staff to mount live fly embryos to an oxygen-permeable membrane for imaging on a microscope, keeping the embryos alive and healthy while being imaged. This allows the researchers to see the dynamic molecular-scale processes occurring in the embryo at high resolution in real time during development.

Thank you at @upennlib for providing free 3D printing services. We are using the pieces you have manufactured for us for applications ranging from mounting embryos for imaging, holding electronics, mounting shutters for lasers, and protecting some very precious optics! pic.twitter.com/qz4SG4x14M

— Mustafa Mir (@MustafaMir16) August 13, 2021