Imaris 11 Transforms Image Analysis with Automated Workflows

Oxford Instruments has launched Imaris 11, a new version of its image analysis software designed to accelerate and simplify the image analysis process while ensuring reproducibility. The core innovation is the introduction of “Workflows,” an intuitive protocol system for both novice and expert users.

Accelerating and Simplifying Image Analysis

Imaris 11 addresses the challenges of repetitive manual documentation and the necessitate for consistent results in scientific research. The new Workflows feature automatically records every step of the image analysis process, eliminating the need for extensive manual note-taking. News-Medical.net reports that this feature aims to improve consistency and reproducibility across experiments.

How Workflows Enhance Reproducibility

Workflows automatically document all analysis details, including object creation, filtering decisions, masking, channel editing, statistical exports, and snapshots. Instead of relying on manual notes, users generate a live workflow file that records the entire protocol. Importing this workflow allows others to see exactly what was done, in what order, and with which parameters, dramatically improving transparency, and reproducibility.

Combining Automation and Manual Steps

Imaris 11 Workflows are designed to handle both automated and manual analysis steps. If a workflow includes manual input, such as drawing a region of interest, the batch process pauses and prompts the user for that input before continuing. This hybrid approach allows for the combination of automation with expert-driven decisions without sacrificing efficiency when processing multiple datasets.

Streamlined Batch Processing

Once a workflow is validated on a control image, it can be applied to multiple images with just two clicks. This ensures consistency across experimental groups. The software also supports automatic snapshot generation during batch processing, allowing for quality control across all images without individually reopening each file.

Simplified Comparison of Experimental Groups

The plotting interface in Imaris 11 facilitates side-by-side comparison of datasets. After applying a workflow to multiple images, quantification results can be analyzed and compared with a single click, streamlining the identification of biological differences across conditions.

User Interface Improvements

Imaris 11 features a redesigned user interface with tools separated into two columns: Visualization and Workflows. The Visualization column displays objects in the scene and provides rendering tools, while the Workflow column contains quantification tools and records each analysis step. This separation improves usability and helps users track their image analysis protocol.

Learning and Collaboration Features

To support learning, Imaris 11 offers downloadable self-learning demo images available on the Imaris website. These datasets include raw and analyzed images, along with associated workflow files, enabling structured self-study. Workflows are also easily shareable via email, facilitating collaboration between researchers and ensuring consistent protocol application across labs and institutions.

Imaris 11 in Action: Cancer Cell Analysis

During a recent webinar, Dr. Georgia Golfis demonstrated Imaris 11’s capabilities by analyzing cancer cells grown in micropatterned shapes. The workflow involved detecting cells using machine learning and quantifying lysosomes within each cell to measure lysosome numbers, sizes, and densities in control and treated samples. As highlighted on LinkedIn, this workflow could be automatically applied to all experimental groups once validated, ensuring consistent analysis.

About Oxford Instruments

Oxford Instruments is a leading provider of high-technology tools and systems for research and industry. They offer a range of technologies including atomic force microscopy, light microscopy, plasma etch & deposition, electron microscopy analysis, optical imaging and spectroscopy, nanoindentation, nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman microscopy, and X-ray technologies.

About Georgia Golfis

Georgia Golfis is a member of the European Imaris team, supporting researchers in advanced microscopy image analysis and quantification. She has over 13 years of experience with the Imaris and Andor Service Product Management teams. She presented Imaris 11 on behalf of Anna Paszulewicz, Product Manager for Imaris. The Institut Fresnel notes her expertise spans fluorescence microscopy, 3D and 4D imaging, and quantitative image analysis.