The Cell Imaging Core provides access state-of-the-art equipment for optical and electron microscopy, andalso provides expert training and consulting on the use of these methodologies. The facility maintains digitaland confocal fluorescence microscopes, transmission and scanning EMs, and associated image processingand output systems. The addition of research electron microscopy was accompanied by improvedequipment and expertise for specimen preparation (for both optical and electron microscopy). The staffprovides effective and accessible instruction to facilitate development of functional imaging skills for allusers. Scheduled access for equipment and expert assistance is done by a convenient web page interface.Because modern microscopy and digital imaging involve a large number of technical components from opticsto software to chemistry, the Cell Imaging Core maintains an active development program to keep theinstrumentation and systems current, functional, accessible and easy to use. Individual researchers couldnot support this type of high-quality microscopy in their own labs due to the high cost of the instrumentationand maintenance and because the requisite expertise is uncommon. In addition, the core has developedsignificant expertise directly related to digestive disease research: from imaging methods for intact crypts toin vivo analysis of blood and fluid flow in rodents.The goal of the Cell and Imaging Core is to improve human digestive diseases prevention, treatment andtherapy through state-of-the art techniques that permit VDDRC investigators to improve our understanding ofthe cellular and molecular basis of health and disease.
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