| Since the term was first coined in 1852 by Sir George Gabriel Stokes, fluorescence has been used as a powerful tool for imaging biological specimens. When used in conjunction with the fluorescence microscope, labeling of biological molecules with fluorescent compounds provides unparalleled signal contrast for microscopic observations. The development of the immunofluorescence technique in the first half of this century followed by the description of the modern epifluorescence microscope ushered in a revolution in fluorescence imaging. This was followed by an explosion of technology that included new microscope designs and fluorophores. These developments stimulated the creation of an increasing number of research methodologies capable of examining biological systems in exquisite detail. We have assembled an annotated list of classic papers that document the development of fluorescence microscopy imaging. Along with these seminal reports, the works of many other scientists allowed the advances that made fluorescence imaging into the indispensable tool it is today for modern biologists. We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for their help in selecting these landmark papers: Stefan Hell, David Kleinfeld, Barry Masters, Dave Piston, Brian Salzberg and Rafael Yuste. |
