FocalPlane - Where biology meets microscopy

Welcome to FocalPlane

FocalPlane is a community site for anyone who uses microscopy in their research. It is a place where you can interact with a global community of imaging scientists, engineers, chemists, and bioimage analysts.

FocalPlane is your site and once registered, you are free to share a blog post, add an image to our gallery, post a job advert or put up an event listing.

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Recent posts

BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants

Posted by FocalPlane, on 13 May 2026

Applications are open for BiO Global South Conference Travel Grants. These grants, of up to £3,000, are aimed at early-career researchers based in the Global South* wanting to attend international scientific meetings** relating to the broad areas of research covered by the journal.

Imaging with… John Innes Centre Bioimaging

Posted by FocalPlane, on 13 May 2026

In our ‘Imaging with…’ blog post, we meet the team from John Innes Centre Bioimaging, Norwich, UK.

Propose a new Workshop for 2028

Posted by FocalPlane, on 6 May 2026

Apply to organise a fully-funded Workshop with The Company of Biologists. Applications close on Friday 29 May 2026.

Microscopy preprints: bioimage analysis

Posted by FocalPlane, on 1 May 2026

Here is a curated selection of preprints published (or updated) recently. In this post we focus specifically on bioimage analysis and data management.

Imaging spotlight: PLIN5 phosphorylation tunes mitochondria–lipid droplet coupling in the liver

Posted by FocalPlane, on 29 April 2026

In this paper highlight, we hear from Natalie Porat-Shliom, who discusses her recent paper on how PLIN5 phosphorylation regulates mitochondria–lipid droplet contacts in the liver.

Featured image with Brittany Carr

Posted by FocalPlane, on 24 April 2026

Our featured image, acquired by Brittany Carr, shows the rod and cone photoreceptor outer segments from a tadpole retina. Photoreceptor outer segments are responsible for capturing photons of light and transducing them into chemical signals. Frog rods are large, so this image also shows the incisures, which are invaginations into the outer segment that gives

BINA Award Nominations Open Until May 1

Posted by BioImaging North America, on 23 April 2026

BINA now has four annual awards- two that are new for 2026! Michael W. Davidson Memorial Award- honors a highly innovative and multi-talented researcher, who recognized the power of communicating science through images. Richard & Rosaria Haugland Industry Award- recognizes individuals in the imaging industry sector who advance the bioimaging community through innovation, impact, education and

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