LightSaver is a powerful data analysis package designed for fluorescent C. elegans imaging. Developed by Samuel Freitas with contributions from Raul Castro-Portugez at the University of Arizona, Sutphin Lab in the Microbiology (MCB) and Biomedical Engineering (BME) departments.
Please note: We're actively working on both a Python version and a standalone application for enhanced accessibility.
- 'Image Processing Toolbox'
- 'Computer Vision Toolbox'
This directory structure is essential for the proper functioning of the
multiple_samples -> Lightsaver_batch.m
script. In this example, the overarching experiment is the "Example Experiment" folder under the data directory.
Important Notes:
- The script scans files recursively, sorting them by timepoint (following the nomenclature DN, Day N).
- Even if there's only a single timepoint, this directory format must still be followed, but with a single sub-experiment folder.
Image Naming Guidelines:
- Each image should have a descriptive name (e.g.,
skn-1-HT115-EV_D1_1.tiff
,skn-1-HT115-EV_D1_2.tiff
). The naming convention typically followsexp-name-and-sumbnames_dayN_replicateN.tiff
.
- Set up data as shown above.
- Open
Lightsaver_batch.m
under themultiple_samples
directory. - Run the script (press F5 or the run button in MATLAB).
- The parameters prompt will ask for experiment-specific details (press OK when completed).
- Choose the overarching experiment folder in the selection prompt.
- The script will display progress bars and export the data.
- Check the "Exported images" folder (usually in documents/github/lightsaver) for the output. Rerun with the "Use large blob fix" flag if needed.
Usage: Data Processing Single Sub-Experiments Individually (Not Recommended Unless Data Is Extremely Noisy and "Bad_images_fix.m" Must Be Used)
- Open
Ligthsaver_script.m
. - Set parameters.
- Run
lightsaver_script.m
. - Choose the directory containing the .tiff images.
- Check output data if necessary.
If there are problems:
- Large blobs? Use the
large_blob_fix
option inlightsaver_script.m
. - Major issues? Employ
bad_images_fix.m
.
Now, you should find a data.csv
file in the directory containing the *.tifs.
- Open and run
Data_analysis_and_export.m
. - Choose the overarching experiment folder from the dropdown menu.
- Verify that "Analyzed_data.csv" is correct and the
output_figures
directory is present.