Scientists use microscopes to produce magnified images of cells and explore their internal mechanisms. There are different types of microscopes such as light microscopes, which use visible light, and electron microscopes, which use electron beams. Light microscopes can use techniques like brightfield and phase contrast to view living or stained cells. Electron microscopes provide higher magnification and allow viewing internal cell structures. Microscopy allows scientists to study cells and organisms at a molecular level to gain a deeper understanding of life.