What are some recent advancements in histological staining methods?
Traditional histological staining techniques, such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), have been the backbone of tissue analysis. However, newer staining methods have emerged, providing more specific and detailed information. One such advancement is the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC), which employs antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections. This technique allows for the identification of particular cell types and states, which is invaluable in diagnosing diseases like cancer.
Another breakthrough is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which uses fluorescent probes that bind to specific DNA sequences. FISH is particularly useful in identifying genetic abnormalities and is commonly used in cancer diagnosis and genetic research.