This request from a long-standing Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) microscopy core is for a new, fully-automated, state-of-the-art Nikon A1 laser scanning confocal microscope to replace an aging confocal system. The requirements include being able to provide: (i) high resolution imaging at wavelengths covering the near UV, visible and near IR spectral range using both conventional and spectral imaging detectors;(ii) long-term time-lapse imaging with automatic focus and controlled gas/temperature;(iii) high-speed confocal imaging to track dynamic events in X and Y, and perform rapid Z-series acquisition at sequential time points (4D imaging);(iv) combining fast, accurate and repeatable autofocus and XYZ positioning control to allow 2D and 3D imaging at multiple locations in single to 96/384-well plate formats for high-speed, high- resolution imaging of fixed or live specimens;and, (v) enough flexibility and reliability (multiple wavelengths, conventional and spectral, and multiple locations) for true multidimensional confocal imaging controlled by user-friendly software. Long-term in-house demonstration of the Nikon A-1 has demonstrated its ability fulfill these requirements and those of the diverse experimental plans of a well-defined group of NIH-supported investigators. The system will be housed and managed by the Integrated Microscopy Core (IMC), the only fully-open-access imaging facility at BCM, and will synergize with and extend current automated microscopy resources, including hardware/software training and assay development support.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
Type
Biomedical Research Support Shared Instrumentation Grants (S10)
Project #
1S10RR027783-01A1
Application #
8051996
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-CB-J (31))
Program Officer
Levy, Abraham
Project Start
2011-05-01
Project End
2012-04-30
Budget Start
2011-05-01
Budget End
2012-04-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$431,422
Indirect Cost
Name
Baylor College of Medicine
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
051113330
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
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