The development of new software tools for lineage tracking

In the last 5 years we have all witnessed how modern low-toxicity imaging technologies have provided new options for researchers that want to examine complex biological processes over very long time periods at sub cellular resolution. Research areas such as developmental, stem cell and cancer cell biology have all benefited greatly from employing techniques such as spinning disk / multi point confocal, (lattice) light sheet, swept field and structured illumination microscopy. At conferences as well as in one-on-one meetings I often hear that the major bottleneck felt is the efficient visualisation and analysis of long 3D time-lapse data sets. We have been developing tools for this purpose for over 20 years and we want to continue to offer powerful enabling tools. We have decided to build on the strength of our file format (recently made open access) and the success and functionality of Imaris Track (Track was initially launched in 2003 and used in over 1200 peer reviewed publications since). We are now working on a tool set which enables researches to study cell division, track and interactively explore cell lineages.

This blog will provide an insight into the development process, post updates on the progress, discuss (potential) features and provide a space for experts to express their views on the topic. If you are active in the fields of developmental biology, (stem) cell biology, embryogenesis, cancer biology, or others that use lineage tracking, you are welcome to contribute – get in touch via blog@bitplane.com.

Image credits, Gopi Shah