MetaMorph: Image Analysis and 3D Processing
Quantitative Image Analysis
MetaMorph v7.7 Premiere offers analysis tools to handle everything from simple intensity logging to advanced morphometry analysis, colocalization, and more. There are many menu options offered like Manually Count Objects, Colour Combine, Integrated Morphometry Analysis, Region Measurements and Count Cells. Optional MetaMorph Application Modules are included in the package to perform assay-specific analysis, such as counting nuclei, neutrite outgrowth analysis, tracking motile cells or assessing cell cycle phases, and these run with a simple wizard-like interface.
For de-convolution, 3D image reconstruction, volumetric measurement and 3D object tracking, we recommend our Perkin Elmer Volocity 4D (3D + time-lapse) software. We do not have the optional MetaMorph 3D and Deconvolution modules.
MetaMorph is a powerful alternative to open source ImageJ, as it's got many advanced features and in particular it offers far more feedback on what it has actually measured. However ImageJ has many useful modules as well and is free to use on any PC - so if it does what you need, ImageJ is also a good choice. The Core can offer image analysis and image processing advice on both these programs, and we can use MetaMorph as a reference to verify the results from any ImageJ plug-in you are using.
Image Display & 3D Processing
Image display and processing tools are crucial for performing accurate image analysis, and MetaMorph offers a complete toolbox of advanced features in this area, from background subtraction and shading correction, to morphology filters and an interactive 3D Viewer.
Customisation
Powerful and easy-to-use journal (macro) functions in MetaMorph enable users to semi-automate acquisition, processing, and common analysis routines, while custom toolbars and menus provide users quick access to commonly used menu options, taskbars, and journals.
MetaMorph image analysis software is now owned marketed by Molecular Devices, visit them at Molecular Devices web site. We have one licence for MetaMorph version 7.7 Premier off-line [the latest version]. You can download the following MetaMorph help guides from our site: MetaMorph Basic Commands, MetaMorph Drop-Ins, and the MetaMorph 3D Module. You can download the MetaMorph 4.5 interactive tutorial here [Warning: it's 42Mb and the MM EXE.rar file must be extracted into a folder to work]. We also have MetaMorph's MetaFluor and Hardware Acquisition modules. The following MetaFluor help guides are available: the MetaFluor Users Guide, and the MetaFluor Analyst.
In addition to MetaMorph, we now have NIS Elements Basic Research on the Nikon inverted microscope PC, which also has powerful image analysis and image processing capabilities. Plus we have a copy of Perkin Elmer's Volocity v6.0 for 4D imaging, quantitative volumetric measurements, object tracking and de-convolution (image sharpening).
Please speak to a member of the Molecular Cytogenetics group for more information.
Above: MetaMorph colour detection and our perception of colour.