This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The UNLV Imaging Center was established in 1999 through an NSF EPSCoR award. It became part of the Nevada BRIN technology core network in 2003 and is now a component of INBRE. As part of BRIN and INBRE, the purpose of the core is to provide access to confocal microscopy for all Nevada researchers. The central piece of equipment in this multi-user facility is a state-of-the-art Zeiss LSM-510 confocal laser scanning microscopy system (CLSM) mounted on either upright or inverted Zeiss microscope bodies. A second high-resolution digital imaging system is used for epifluorescence and other types of light microscopy. The core operates both as a shared instrument facility and re-charge center. INBRE funding provides annual salary for a microscopy technician and salary (10%) for the facility director. Together, these individuals are responsible for (1) maintaining equipment in optimal working order, (2) administering user access, (3) promoting the training of new users, (4) updating hardware and software, and (5) procurement of additional of funds to ensure that the facility continues to meet the needs of the research community. Users receive training from our technician and must demonstrate proficiency with the CLSM before receiving access to the facility (passwords, computer accounts, magnetic card keys). A web-based reservation program is used to schedule time in the Imaging Core. Registered users are charged either $25/hr or a flat rate for each laboratory of $1000/yr.
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