Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
Argonne’s Science 101 series takes you back to the basics, with plain-language explanations of
the scientific concepts behind our pivotal discoveries and our biggest innovations.
In this Science 101: What is Microscopy, assistant scientists Thomas Gage and Tao Zhou with Argonne’s Center for Nanoscale Materials focus on the power of microscopy.
Microscopy employs more than just the simple microscopes you might use in school to look at
bugs or leaves. It has grown into a highly advanced area of science. While basic microscopy
started with light and lenses to make tiny things look bigger, modern microscopes use light,
electrons or X-rays to do much more and make important discoveries.
Microscopes today play a huge role in discovering new medicines and creating materials for
new technologies. The invention of new materials and technology depends a lot on what we
learn through microscopy.
Find out more about this Science 101 ►► anl.gov/science-101/microscopy
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
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ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
Argonne’s Science 101 series takes you back to the basics, with plain-language explanations of
the scientific concepts behind our pivotal discoveries and our biggest innovations.
In this Science 101: What is Microscopy, assistant scientists Thomas Gage and Tao Zhou with Argonne’s Center for Nanoscale Materials focus on the power of microscopy.
Microscopy employs more than just the simple microscopes you might use in school to look at
bugs or leaves. It has grown into a highly advanced area of science. While basic microscopy
started with light and lenses to make tiny things look bigger, modern microscopes use light,
electrons or X-rays to do much more and make important discoveries.
Microscopes today play a huge role in discovering new medicines and creating materials for
new technologies. The invention of new materials and technology depends a lot on what we
learn through microscopy.
Find out more about this Science 101 ►► anl.gov/science-101/microscopy
Still haven't subscribed to Argonne National Laboratory on YouTube? ►► bit.ly/2Vyzwvm
Join us on Facebook
bit.ly/ArgonneFacebook
Follow us on Twitter
bit.ly/ArgonneTwitter
We’re on Instagram!
bit.ly/ArgonneInstagram
Connect with us on LinkedIn
bit.ly/ArgonneLinkedIn
ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology by conducting leading-edge basic and applied research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.
