ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Quantitative phase contrast microscopy

Quantitative phase contrast microscopy is a fancy way to look at tiny stuff like cells, bacteria, and viruses. It helps scientists see things that are too small for our eyes.

When we look at things in this microscope, we see more than just their shape and color. We see how they bend and deflect light waves.

Think of it like a superhero movie where the villain has an invisible shield. The hero can't see the shield, but they know where it is because it bends the light around it. That's what the microscope does!

Scientists use this fancy technique to see how cells and bacteria move, grow and interact with each other.

With this microscope, scientists can not only see what's happening inside the tiny things but also measure it. They can make graphs and figures to show how these tiny things behave over time.

Think of it like a time-lapse video of a flower growing, but for tiny things!

So, in summary, quantitative phase contrast microscopy helps scientists see and measure tiny things that are too small for our eyes.