The sample is stained (to make thigns visible), then embedded in a resin, then cut with a very sharp diamond knife and the slices are captured by the tape reel.

The sample is stained (to make thigns visible), then embedded in a resin, then cut with a very sharp diamond knife and the slices are captured by the tape reel. Paper: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.29.446289v4 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.05.29.446289v4 See Figure 1. The ATUM is described in more detail here https://www.eden-instruments.com/en/ex-situ-equipments/rmc-em-sample-prep-solutions/atumtome/ https://www.eden-instruments.com/en/ex-situ-equipments/rmc-e... and there's a bunch of nice photos and explanations here https://www.wormatlas.org/EMmethods/ATUM.htm https://www.wormatlas.org/EMmethods/ATUM.htm TL;DR this project is reaping all the benefits of the 21st century.