What is a helpful technique to improve visibility when using a microscope?

Staining cells is a valuable technique for improving visibility when using a microscope because it enhances the contrast between the cells and their background. Many biological specimens are transparent or nearly colorless, which makes them hard to see against the glass slide or the medium in which they are mounted. By applying specific stains, certain cell components can become colored, allowing for better differentiation and clarity when viewed under the microscope.

Stains can highlight specific parts of cells, such as nuclei, membranes, or cytoplasm, making it easier to observe their structures and functions. This is especially useful in fields like histology and cytology, where detailed examination of cell types or tissue structure is required for diagnosis or research purposes.