A grant has been awarded to the University of North Dakota under the direction of Dr. Van Doze to acquire a stereology microscope system for quantitative microscopic analysis of nerve cells. The instrument will allow researchers to make detailed observations of cell structure to study nerve cell development, plasticity, and cellular interactions in the nervous system. Using fluorescent probes and imaging montage software, the investigators will be able to construct three-dimensional images on computers at several workstations. The equipment will be used in courses and in student research, including several programs aimed at rural students and students from Native American tribes.