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Reference

Fay, M. G., Lang, P. J., Denu, D. S., et al. (2026). ClearScope: A Fully Integrated Light-Sheet Theta Microscope for Sub-Micron-Resolution Imaging Without Lateral Size Constraints. Journal of Imaging. https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12030118

Background

Three-dimensional imaging of intact organs and large tissue samples is critical for studying neural connectivity and structural changes in neurological disorders. While light sheet microscopy has become a leading tool for imaging cleared tissues, conventional systems face a fundamental limitation: the orthogonal arrangement of illumination and detection optics constrains the lateral size of specimens that can be imaged — making it impossible to capture intact large rodent brains or human tissue sections in their entirety.

About ClearScope

ClearScope is based on light sheet theta microscopy (LSTM), a technology developed by Professor Raju Tomer and colleagues at Columbia University. Unlike traditional light sheet systems, LSTM uses two oblique illumination paths paired with perpendicular detection optics — enabling imaging of specimens with effectively unconstrained lateral dimensions while maintaining subcellular resolution.

Part of our broader light sheet microscopy platform – built to push the boundaries of 3D imaging

ClearScope is a technological cousin to SLICE, MBF Bioscience’s newest light sheet microscope system. Together they reflect our commitment to expanding the boundaries of 3D biological imaging — from connectomics and systems neuroscience to vascular biology, cancer biology, and organoid research.

We’re grateful to our collaborators at Columbia University and NYU Langone Health for their partnership in this work.

The post Breaking the size barrier: ClearScope light sheet microscope paper published in Journal of Imaging appeared first on MBF Bioscience.

As CEO, Glaser will focus on long-term strategy and major partnerships. As President, Dr. Pessino will oversee day-to-day operations and execution of the company’s strategic plans.

“This isn’t me stepping back, it’s us stepping up,” said Glaser. “These are challenging times in the science world, and this change ensures I can focus on positioning us for the long haul while Veronica makes sure we’re running as efficiently and effectively as possible every single day.”

Since joining as COO last summer, Dr. Pessino has driven measurable improvements across the organization, streamlining operations and bringing sharper focus to product development and go-to-market strategy. “She quickly grasped not just the nuts and bolts of our business, but its soul, what makes MBF special, what we bring to the world, what our customers need, and what our team values,” Glaser said.

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WILLISTON, VT – August 18, 2025 – MBF Bioscience today proudly announces that its revolutionary light sheet microscope, SLICE™, has been awarded a Microscopy Today Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates SLICE as a game-changing solution that is transforming the light sheet microscopy landscape by delivering superior performance at an exceptionally accessible price point, democratizing advanced 3D imaging and empowering laboratories of all sizes to pursue breakthrough research.

The Microscopy Today Innovation Award recognizes instruments and accessories that represent significant advancements in the field of microscopy. SLICE was selected for its innovative engineering, which addresses the critical barriers of cost and complexity that have long limited access to high-end light sheet technology.

“We are truly honored to receive the Microscopy Today Innovation Award, as it is a powerful validation of our mission to democratize advanced science,” said Jack Glaser, President of MBF Bioscience. “SLICE was born from the idea that breakthrough research shouldn’t be constrained by budget or complexity. This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to creating a new standard that delivers superior image quality and unmatched value to every lab.”

Unlike legacy systems that typically cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, SLICE is a complete turnkey solution available for under $75,000. Its innovative optical design delivers demonstrably higher image quality, with clearer images and increased signal-to-noise than many more expensive systems. The SLICE offering also includes the powerful BrightSLICE software, providing a seamless acquisition-to-analysis workflow without the need for costly external licenses.

Dr. Raju Tomer, Associate Professor at Columbia University and the inventor of the foundational technology behind SLICE, added, ” We are deeply honored by this recognition from the global microscopy community for our efforts to make high-performance light-sheet microscopy accessible to all. We have seen firsthand how this technology can profoundly transform our understanding of biological systems, yet it has remained largely inaccessible to most researchers and clinicians worldwide. We hope this breakthrough will catalyze new discoveries and empower data-driven innovations in human health. We are very grateful to our collaborators at MBF Bioscience for helping turn this vision into reality.”

The SLICE system’s transparent and all-inclusive annual support model further sets it apart, with a predictable annual fee that covers both hardware maintenance and comprehensive software support. This approach, combined with its streamlined design, makes SLICE an ideal solution for academic labs, microscopy core facilities, and biopharmaceutical R&D teams seeking to accelerate their research pipelines.

About MBF Bioscience

MBF Bioscience is a pioneering developer of advanced microscopy and imaging solutions, specializing in multi-photon microscopy, light sheet microscopy, unbiased stereology, neuron tracing, fiber photometry, and AI-powered image analysis systems for neuroscience and life sciences researchers. With over 35 years of innovation, MBF Bioscience transforms scientific discovery by creating cutting-edge tools that deliver unparalleled accuracy, reproducibility, and research acceleration to help scientists worldwide to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Media Contact: Pasang Sherpa, Marketing Manager

Phone: +1 (802) 288-9290

Email: pasang@mbfbioscience.com

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This is the core of the SLICE advantage, and it’s rooted in a fundamental shift in design philosophy.

The Legacy Challenge: Complexity, Cost, and Compromise

Traditional light sheet microscopes, while powerful, often reflect an older engineering paradigm. They typically feature:

• Overly Complex Designs: Built with intricate optical paths and a multitude of proprietary, highly specialized components that are expensive to manufacture and maintain.

• Fragmented Ecosystems: Hardware from one vendor, software from another, third-party analysis tools from a third – leading to workflow inefficiencies, compatibility issues, and compounding costs.

• High Maintenance & Downtime: Their complexity often translates to higher failure rates, lengthy repair times, and exorbitant annual service contracts.

• Steep Learning Curves: Requiring highly specialized operators and extensive training, creating bottlenecks in busy labs and core facilities.

The SLICE Solution: Innovation Leading to Superiority

SLICE is fundamentally different. Our engineering team challenged the assumption that advanced microscopy must be prohibitively expensive and complex. Instead, we focused on innovative optical designs and smart component integration to achieve breakthrough performance through elegance and efficiency, not brute-force complexity.

• Superior Image Quality by Design: We’ve achieved a pioneering optical path that delivers clearer, higher-resolution images with less aberration and increased signal-to-noise, surpassing what many traditional, more expensive systems can offer. This isn’t a trade-off for affordability; it’s a direct result of a modern, optimized design that outperforms older architectures. Your data will be cleaner, your insights sharper, and your publications more impactful.

• Robust Simplicity: By eliminating unnecessary complexity and leveraging cutting-edge engineering principles, SLICE is inherently more robust and reliable. This means significantly less downtime for your research and a dramatically lower annual maintenance cost.

• Truly Integrated Workflow: Our BrightSLICE software is not an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the SLICE experience. Developed in parallel with the hardware, BrightSLICE provides seamless data acquisition, processing, 3D visualization, and advanced analysis – all included within the transparent annual $5,000 support fee. This unified platform eliminates the need for expensive third-party software licenses and the headaches of managing disparate systems.

• Empowering Accessibility: Because SLICE is designed for straightforward setup and operation, it breaks down the barrier of needing highly specialized personnel. More researchers can gain hands-on experience, accelerating individual projects and maximizing instrument utilization in shared facilities.

Investing in the Future of Your Research

Choosing SLICE isn’t just a budget-conscious decision; it’s a strategic investment in a microscopy platform that is built for the demands of modern research. It means:

• More Budget for Science: Freeing up funds previously tied to instrument acquisition, maintenance, and software licenses for reagents, personnel, and new research directions.

• Faster Discoveries: Reduced downtime, intuitive workflows, and readily available analysis tools accelerate your path from experiment to insight.

• Greater Independence: Bringing powerful capabilities in-house for individual labs, and expanding service offerings for core facilities.

At MBF Bioscience, we are committed to empowering discovery. With SLICE, we invite you to move beyond the limitations of legacy systems and embrace a new standard in light sheet microscopy that delivers superior image quality, unmatched value, and truly accessible power.

Ready to experience the SLICE advantage for yourself?

Learn more about SLICE          |     Request more information

The post The SLICE Advantage: Why Our Innovative Approach Outperforms Legacy Light Sheet Microscopes appeared first on MBF Bioscience.

However, the path to acquiring this cutting-edge technology has been steep for most. High-end legacy light sheet systems often come with instrument price tags ranging from $350,000 to over $750,000, frequently escalating further with necessary add-ons like specialized objectives and multiple laser lines. This substantial upfront investment, coupled with complex operation and the necessity for expensive, separate annual service contracts and software licenses (often totaling $65,000 or more per year for a competitor’s system), has largely confined this transformative technology to a select few well-funded core facilities or specialized research institutions.

The paradigm is shifting.

Move Beyond Traditional Light Sheet Microscopes. Meet SLICE.

At MBF Bioscience, our mission is to empower scientific discovery by making advanced tools truly accessible. We developed SLICE: The New Standard in Light Sheet Microscopy to directly address the economic and operational barriers that have historically limited access to this crucial technology.

How Innovative Design Delivers Superior Image Quality and Unprecedented Affordability

Unlike legacy light sheet systems that often rely on older, less optimized designs and costly, custom-fabricated components, SLICE is engineered from the ground up using groundbreaking optical designs and advanced manufacturing techniques. This innovation allows us to achieve both dramatic cost reductions and deliver image quality that is not just comparable, but demonstrably superior to many legacy systems.

• Pioneering Optical Path: SLICE incorporates a more efficient, simplified optical layout that achieves high performance while fundamentally reducing manufacturing complexity. This innovative approach yields clearer, higher-resolution images with less aberration and increased signal-to-noise, surpassing what many traditional, more expensive systems can offer.

• Next-Generation Engineering: By focusing on smart design and leveraging the latest advancements in microscopy engineering, we’ve bypassed the exorbitant costs associated with older, less optimized designs. This allows us to deliver top-tier performance and superior image fidelity without the “boutique” pricing of historically specialized parts.

This modern approach to microscopy engineering allows us to offer SLICE at a disruptive acquisition cost of less than $99,000. This isn’t a scaled-down toy; it’s a meticulously engineered instrument designed for serious science that fits within typical grant budgets and redefines the entry point for advanced 3D imaging.

Transparent and All-Inclusive Annual Support & Software

Beyond the initial purchase, the long-term operational costs of traditional systems can be substantial. Legacy systems often require separate, costly annual service contracts (e.g., 10% of instrument cost) and additional annual licenses for image processing, analysis, and visualization software.

Our annual cost of ownership for SLICE is a transparent $5,000 per year. This single, comprehensive fee covers both hardware service and ongoing BrightSLICE software updates and technical support. This predictable, bundled fee eliminates hidden costs and simplifies budgeting for your research, offering a dramatic contrast to competitor models.

Designed for Ease of Use

Operating advanced microscopy should not be a bottleneck. SLICE is engineered for intuitive setup and streamlined workflows, significantly reducing the learning curve. This allows researchers to maximize time on experimentation and data acquisition, rather than instrument operation and troubleshooting. For core facilities, it translates to faster user onboarding and increased instrument throughput.

Empowering Your Next Discovery

The landscape of light sheet microscopy is evolving, and SLICE is leading the charge by making high-impact 3D imaging both accessible and highly cost-effective, while setting a new benchmark for image quality. Whether your aim is to bring cutting-edge capabilities directly into your individual lab, to enhance and expand the services of your core facility, or to accelerate drug discovery workflows in a biotech setting, SLICE represents a new standard.

Don’t let historical cost structures and outdated technology limit your scientific potential. Discover how SLICE can power your next breakthrough in high-performance 3D imaging.

→ Request more information

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Now available through our online store:

• Fiber Optic Cannulae

• Patch Cords

• Ceramic Split Sleeves

• Additional consumables

This new platform was created with your research needs in mind—offering a simple, streamlined experience so you can get what you need quickly and reliably.

Key Benefits:

• Order anytime
• Easy, secure checkout
• Fast, dependable delivery
• Bulk ordering options available

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is here to help. Email us at info@mbfbioscience.com and we’ll assist you in locating the right tools for your setup.

At MBF Bioscience, we remain committed to supporting your research with high-quality products and responsive service.

🛒 Explore the store today and simplify your fiber photometry workflow.

The post Introducing the MBF Bioscience Web Store for our Neurophotometrics Fiber Photometry Consumables appeared first on MBF Bioscience.

MBF Bioscience Introduces SLICE™: We Reimagined Light Sheet Microscopes From the Ground Up

Breakthrough system combines high performance with unprecedented affordability and compact design, making cutting-edge light sheet microscopy accessible to labs of all sizes

WILLISTON, VT – June 9, 2025 – MBF Bioscience, a world leader in quantitative microscopy solutions, today announced the commercial launch of SLICE™, a revolutionary light sheet microscope that represents a paradigm shift in advanced imaging technology. Invented by leading researchers at Columbia University, this patent-pending innovation delivers advanced 3D imaging capabilities to research labs of all sizes while offering performance that surpasses systems costing ten times more.

Breaking Down Barriers to Advanced Imaging

SLICE addresses one of the most significant challenges in modern biological research: the limited accessibility of high-performance light sheet microscopy due to high costs and complex infrastructure requirements. This innovative system offers high sub-micron resolution imaging of biological samples, making it ideal for both individual laboratories and core facilities, effectively democratizing access to what was previously available only to well-funded institutions.

“For over three decades, MBF Bioscience has been committed to putting powerful research tools in the hands of scientists everywhere,” said Jack Glaser, President and Co-founder of MBF Bioscience. “To advance science, we had to change the math. SLICE represents the embodiment of that mission—delivering the performance researchers need at a price point that makes advanced light sheet microscopy accessible to labs that previously couldn’t afford this technology. We’re not just selling a microscope, we’re opening doors to discoveries that might never have happened otherwise.”

Dr. Raju Tomer, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Columbia University and inventor of the technology underlying SLICE, added: “When we developed this approach, our goal was to overcome the fundamental limitations that have kept light sheet microscopy out of reach for so many researchers. SLICE realizes that vision—it’s a system that doesn’t compromise on scientific capability while dramatically reducing the barriers to entry. I’m excited to see how the broader research community will use this technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in biological imaging.”

Technical Innovation Meets Practical Design

SLICE comes equipped with powerful software for tera-voxel visualization, seamless image stitching, and sophisticated post-processing. The system’s compact, benchtop-ready design enables placement in diverse research environments, including higher biosafety level facilities, small lab spaces, and even inside incubators where experiments are conducted.

Key features of SLICE include:

• Exceptional Performance-to-Cost Ratio: Performance surpassing systems costing ten times as much
• Multi-wavelength Compatibility: 3 illumination wavelengths for popular labels such as: GFP, Thy1-GFP, eYFP, Alexa 514, 633, 647, mCherry, tdTomato
• Versatile Clearing Compatibility: Compatible with iDISCO, CLARITY, SHANEL, CUBIC, BINAREE and virtually all other optical clearing techniques
• Comprehensive Software: BrightSLICE software for acquisition, visualization, and post-processing
• Seamless Integration: Seamlessly integrates with MBF Bioscience’s suite of analytical tools, including Neurolucida 360, NeuroInfo and NeuroDeblur

Expanding Research Capabilities

The SLICE system enables researchers to image labeled cells and neuronal processes throughout cleared tissue with exceptional clarity and speed. A wide range of proteins and dyes can be used with SLICE, including c-Fos, tdTomato, mCherry, podocalyxin, CD31, Acta2, mScarlet, and Thy1-eYFP, making it suitable for diverse research applications across neuroscience, developmental biology, cancer research, and beyond.

Advanced image stitching produces 3D image volumes suitable for MBF Bioscience’s AI-based quantitative analysis software to produce accurate data for analyzing morphometry, cell populations, sub-cellular processes, vasculature and fluorescence properties, enabling researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses previously limited to specialized facilities.

About MBF Bioscience

MBF Bioscience is a biotech company that develops microscopy software and hardware for bioscience research and education. MBF Bioscience’s primary location is Williston, Vermont, United States and has offices that market, sell, and support its line of hardware and software products in Ashburn, Virginia; San Diego, California; Europe, and Asia. The company was founded in 1988 as MicroBrightField, Inc. by the father and son team of Dr. Edmund Glaser and Jack Glaser, and has been instrumental in advancing quantitative microscopy for over three decades.

MBF has received numerous awards for innovation, customer service, and employee satisfaction, including the US Small Business Administration’s Tibbetts Award for excellence in high technology, the Vermont Small Business Person of the Year award, and the Best Places to Work in Vermont award. MBF’s tools have been cited in over 16,000 peer-reviewed journal publications, underscoring the company’s impact on global scientific research.

Availability and Pricing

SLICE is now available for order, with 30-day lead time for delivery. The complete system, including the light sheet microscope, BrightSLICE software, and computer workstation, is priced under $75,000 – representing exceptional value for advanced 3D imaging capabilities. For demonstrations, technical specifications, or ordering information, visit www.mbfbioscience.com/products/slice or contact MBF Bioscience directly.

Media Contact: Pasang Sherpa, Marketing Manager

Phone: +1 (802) 288-9290

Email: pasang@mbfbioscience.com

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This Year’s Winning Pieces

• 1st Place: Totally Tubular by Joey Tidei, Loyola University Chicago
• 2nd Place: Neurosphere by Adam Soos, Semmelweis University
• 3rd Place: Unwelcome Guest: SARS-CoV-2 Arriving in the Brain by Danielle Beckman, UC Davis Center for Neuroscience

Each of these stunning pieces showcases the complexity and beauty of neuroscience through artistic expression. Whether exploring cellular structures, neural networks, or the interaction of pathogens with the brain, these works offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of neuroscience.

Inspired by these works? Our monthly NeuroArt contest is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and passion for neuroscience. Whether you’re an artist, scientist, or someone who appreciates the beauty of the brain, we welcome your submissions.

Thank you for being part of the NeuroArt community—we can’t wait to see what you create next!

The post Celebrating the NeuroArt Image Contest Annual Grand Prize Winners appeared first on MBF Bioscience.

The ongoing freeze and efforts to slash NIH funding pose an existential threat to the future of biomedical research. As scientists, we see firsthand how federal investment in research leads to medical breakthroughs that benefit all people—curing diseases, improving quality of life, and strengthening our nation’s position as a leader in innovation. Yet, despite the undeniable impact of biomedical research, funding is being slashed, and attempts to stall critical programs are underway. If these cuts continue, the consequences will be felt for decades.

Scientific progress does not happen overnight. It is the result of sustained funding, collaboration, and commitment. Drastic budget reductions will stall projects, disrupt labs, and drive talented researchers—especially early-career scientists—out of the field. The ripple effect will be devastating, slowing the development of new treatments, vaccines, and technologies that millions rely on.

Particularly alarming is the targeting of programs designed to support historically excluded groups, including people of color, women, and LGBTQ scientists. Cutting these initiatives is not only unjust but short-sighted. Diversity in science drives innovation. The strongest scientific breakthroughs arise from collaboration among people with different perspectives, experiences, and expertise. If we push talented minds out of research, we all lose.

What are we doing about it? We are mobilizing. We are working with academic institutions and industry partners to educate the public on the necessity of NIH funding. We are calling on our representatives and senators to demand support for biomedical research. We encourage all scientists, students, and allies to join us in this fight—write, call, and speak up. Science cannot be a partisan issue when human lives are at stake. We urge policymakers to recognize what is at risk and take action to protect the future of biomedical research. The cost of inaction is simply too high.

For further discussion on the impact of NIH funding changes, listen to Vermont Edition, where Jack Glaser, CEO/Founder, shares insights on how these shifts affect research. Listen here.

We want to hear from you. What challenges are you facing? How can we help? Reach out—let’s navigate this together.

Sincerely,
MBF Bioscience 

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