Here, we present a protocol to investigate the intracellular mechanical properties of isolated embryonic zebrafish cells in three-dimensional confinement with direct force measurement by an optical trap.
The imaging platform "The Lifespan Machine" automates the lifelong observation of large populations. We show the steps required to perform lifespan, stress resistance, pathogenesis, and behavioral aging assays. The quality and scope of the data allow researchers to study interventions in aging despite the presence of biological and environmental variation.