Image (mathematics)

Optics

Physics

Geology

Mathematical analysis

Resolution (logic)

Superresolution

Microscopy

Limit (mathematics)

Artificial intelligence

Super-resolution microscopy

Nanotechnology

Scanning confocal electron microscopy

Materials science

High resolution

Mathematics

Visualization

Computer science

Remote sensing

Nature Cell Biology

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) bypasses the diffraction limit, a physical barrier that restricts the optical resolution to roughly 250 nm and was previously thought to be impenetrable. SRM techniques allow the visualization of subcellular organization with unprecedented detail, but also confront biologists with the challenge of selecting the best-suited approach for their particular research question. Here, we provide guidance on how to use SRM techniques advantageously for investigating cellular structures and dynamics to promote new discoveries. In this Review, Schermelleh et al. give an overview of current super-resolution microscopy techniques and provide guidance on how best to use them to foster biological discovery.

Super-resolution microscopy demystified