Live imaging of samples, employing real-time visualization of biological and chemical processes in living organisms, has radically transformed in recent years. The ability to observe how cells respond to physical and chemical stimuli has revolutionized our understanding of dynamic cellular and molecular activities. This approach has practical applications in drug testing and development and enhances our fundamental understanding of cellular behavior individually and in groups. 

 A significant advancement in live imaging is the development of high-resolution fluorescent microscopy. Techniques such as confocal and two-photon excitation microscopy have pushed the boundaries of what we can visualize and measure in living systems. From observing intricate details of cell structures to tracking the movement of individual molecules with exceptional precision, live imaging has applications in developmental biology and neurobiology, facilitating discoveries and engineering innovations. 

 Additionally, techniques like atomic force microscopy use a probe to physically contact cells and decode valuable information such as cell morphology, structure, and the dynamic interactions between the cell cytoskeleton and nucleus. It enables label-free investigation of cell responses to biochemical and biophysical stimuli.  

 This Methods Collection invites methodologies for decoding cell responses to external factors using labeled and label-free technologies.