06/16/98 Recent advances in instrumentation now enable the use of fluorescence techniques for applications that previously required radioactive isotopes. Specific application examples include cell proliferation assays, assays for intracellular second messengers such a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and dynamic measurement of intracellular calcium activity. The principal investigators propose to purchase a CytoFluor Series 4000 multi-well fluorescence microplate reader to reduce the need for radioisotopes in teaching and research, to train students in the application of up-to-date fluorescence-based techniques, and to enhance student and faculty research in the department of Biology. The projects to be supported include research investigating immunology, neurobiology, invertebrate reproduction, and microbiology.
