Today’s microscopy techniques have evolved in such a way that it is no longer a challenge to observe or produce images that show the dynamic progress of certain organisms or organic processes. With connectivity features such as digital photomicrography, high resolution images of specimens changing can now be taken using a few simple steps. This added functionality makes it possible to produce time lapse movies, often used in a variety of fields from film to scientific research.
What is a time lapse movie?
Time lapse (sometimes called time lapse photography) refers to a cinematography method in which a process or sequence of events showing a certain progression are filmed using multiple single exposures taken at very slow speeds. Some exposures may be several seconds or even hours apart. The exposures or shots are then played back at a high speed to produce one continuous action. This is the type of time lapse movies that commonly show events such as a plant growing, clouds changing over several hours or the sun rising and setting. Time lapse movies are meant to capture slow-moving or progressing events. For fast movements, such as those involving a bullet fired from a gun, high speed photography is used.
Uses of time lapse movies
Time lapse photography was first used in the 1897 film Carrefour De L’Opera. It was only used to film biological events beginning in 1910. Aside from providing fascinating entertainment to the lay person, time lapse movies are extremely important for showing processes that are too slow to be observed efficiently in real time. A flower opening, for example, one of the most commonly used images for time lapse movies, is an excruciatingly slow process, too subtle for the entire sequence of movements to be seen. With time lapse movies, these processes may be increased in speed and observed.
Time lapse movies also allow observers to visualize the movements of microorganisms, which are often too minute for proper examination. This allows scientists and researchers to view changes in the organisms’ structure and physical characteristics under controlled conditions. How organisms react to certain factors manually introduced by the observer may also be observed. For example, introducing pesticide to living cells and tissues and then filming the process thereafter will show the observer what type of changes happen in the cells and how fast these changes occur. The observer can then take more accurate notes about the event.
Time lapse movies are also excellent for genetic studies since it allows scientists to film events such as DNA replication and changes in the cell cycle. The information they collect from their observations allows them to make conclusions regarding a certain hypothesis or create processes that they can use to manipulate the events.
Using time lapse movies also provide information about the origins and points of termination of certain events. Time-lapsed movies showing bacterial and fungal growth, for example, will allow scientists to determine where and how exactly contamination occurs. Time lapse movies are also excellent for use for observing the corruption of organic matter such as a rotting fruit or a dead body exposed to the elements.
Time lapse movies are also often used to film sea tide, traffic and crowds. Although this is a technique most often found in films or TV, it can be used as a way to observe movement over a long period of time. Certain shifts in movement, speed and even tendencies toward a certain direction or area may be viewed more efficiently.
The most pioneering work involving time lapse movies was that of John Ott, who began filming using time lapse equipment as a hobby in the 30s. Later, Ott built a greenhouse which he filled with plants whose growth and development he documented using his camera. Through his work, he showed how plants reacted to certain temperatures, amount of water and even certain colors.
The use of digital USB microscopes for creating time lapse movies
The digital USB microscope is one of the best additions to the range of microscopy techniques that are currently in use today. It is capable of capturing excellent quality images at high magnifications, so blurs and distortions are avoided. Some USB microscopes may even be equipped to function as stereo microscopes, which are capable of producing three-dimensional images, an excellent feature for use in time lapse movies.
Most of the USB microscope models today are equipped with features that allow time lapse movies to be shot. Frame exposures need only to be set in order for the desired sequences to be captured. Time lapse movies are also easy to create using software designed for use with USB microscopes. These programs usually include features such as automatic time interval setting and editing for ease of use.
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