This NSF MRI Award funds the acquisition of a confocal microscope to expand the research capabilities of faculty at University of Chicago and at the Field Museum of Natural History for conducting research in the fields of organismal and evolutionary biology.Topics of study include examining the functions of ectopic neurons as models for exploring neural circuit evolution in zebrafish, germ band pattern development in flies, the response of plants to bacterial infection and the organization of song circuit neurons in birds. The microscope would provide essential imaging capabilities of cellular and sub cellular structures. The microscope benefits students by allowing them to gain experience in the application of research techniques in classes and independent projects. The results of the research and teaching efforts will be broadly disseminated through abstracts and peer reviewed publications, as well as by active participation of students and faculty at professional meetings.
This instrumentation grant supported the acquisition of a confocal microscope in a shared research facility. The system, a Zeiss LSM710 microscope and its associated hardware and software, was installed in a centralized space and made available for general use. To our knowledge, this is the only upright microscope-mounted laser scanning confocal system (imaged from above the biological sample) at the University of Chicago and thus it fundamentally increases capabilities for imaging here. We have developed a management plan for the system to maximize its use and effectiveness in research. A facility manager and experienced instrument users train students, faculty and other researchers in how to use the equipment and ensure that the machine is well cared for, data is appropriately managed and software is updated. Researchers from many fields of biology use the system including developmental biologists, neuroscientists and botanists. For example, neurobiologists are using the system to identify neuron types in the brain and spinal cord. One group used the Zeiss LSM710 to identify previously-unknown nerve endings on fish fins that they have since shown are mechanosensitive and sense bending of the fins during swimming. Developmental biologists are performing high-resolution time-lapse imaging of embryonic development on the system. One project has revealed that limb bud precursors of zebrafish migrate into their location rather than proliferating on site. The system is also used in education programs. We train undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees in research with the system and aim to expose younger students to imaging and biological research. For example, a summer program for gifted and talented fourth grade students toured the facility this summer, led by a faculty researcher. They viewed images on the microscope and watched demonstrations conducted by an undergraduate who is using the facility to conduct research for his senior thesis. A long-term plan is in place to ensure that the facility will continue to run well and support new and continuing research projects.
