The Shared Equipment Core provides investigators access to equipment that would be impractical for a single lab to purchase or maintain. An experienced lab manager cares for the shared equipment, oversees use, and offers training. The core also pays service contracts. See the shared equipment list below for specific information about each instrument.
The Shared Equipment Core is supported by the Department of Ophthalmology.
Leadership & Management
Charles K. Yaros manages the core.
For more information, please contact: Charles K. Yaros
Manager, Research Support Email: ckyaros@med.miami.edu Phone: 305-482-4788 (direct number) 305-326-6046 (central research office number)
Location:
McKnight Building, Room 507-A
Note: To request shared equipment, please fill out an online reservation request.
The Department has a Baker Company Class 2 Biological Safety Cabinet located in the Tissue Culture room on the fourth floor of McKnight (Room 415).
This Cabinet offers personnel, product, and environmental protection to obtain optimum control over product quality while reducing the potential for exposure of both product and personnel to airborne biological or particulate chemical agents in low to moderate risk-hazard research and drug preparation or product operations.
The Department has two Barnstead Nanopure Diamond Water Systems, one is located in McKnight room 413-B, the second is located on the sixth Floor of McKnight in room 619-A. Instructions for operating the system are on the front of each system.
The Barnstead / Thermo Scientific Nanopure analytical ultrapure water system is designed to provide high resistivity, reagent grade water that exceeds ASTM Type I, ISO 3696 and CLSI-CLRW Type I standards. It uses a four-stage deionization process combined with a 0.2 micron filter to polish suitable feed water (distilled, deionized, or reverse osmosis) of up to 18.2
megaohm-cm. Water resistivity is continuously monitored by a resistivity cell and displayed on a digital display.
Location: McKnight Building, Rooms 413-B and 619-A
The Beckman L8-80M is an advanced ultracentrifuge, designed to simplify and automate operation. The L8-80M system is equipped with a number of features that will meet the demands of high volume laboratories and facilities.
Featuring rotor imbalance detection, the Beckman L8-80M ultracentrifuge can run more than 40 different rotors, perform up to 80,000 rpm and can achieve up to 602,000g. This Beckman centrifuge also has microprocessor-based centrifuge profiles (9 acceleration and 10 deceleration), memory-pac storage for precise repeat programs, and a quiet, vacuum-encased induction for reliable operation.
The L8-80M computer delivers automatic computation with its RS-232 computer interface for control and logging. Along with these, the computer provides precise digital timed runs, photoelectric rotor overspeed detection and protection, and selectable IR temperature control, and zonal open-door operation.
Common rotors of the Beckman L8-80M centrifuge include: 50.2Ti titanium at 462mL, 80Ti at 108mL, and 70.1Ti at 162mL. Other options are available for all fixed and swinging bucket applications.
Due to the high speeds and forces being applied during the operation of this instrument care should be exercised to ensure that the instrument is properly configured and all samples are carefully balanced in the rotor. Instrument users who are unsure if their configuration is safe should seek assistance from individuals who are familiar with the proper operation of these centrifuges.
This instrument is located in McKnight Room 619-A.
The Beckman Coulter Allegra 6 centrifuge generates centrifugal forces required for a wide variety of applications. Together with the Beckman Coulter rotors designed for use in this centrifuge, the centrifuge applications include:
Routine processing such as sample preparations, pelleting, extractions, purifications, concentrations, phase separations, receptor binding, and column centrifugations.
Processing large numbers of small-volume samples in multiwell plates for concentrating tissue-culture cells, cloning and replicate studies, in-vitro cytotoxicity studies, receptor binding, and genetic engineering experimentation.
Virus isolation.
Rapid sedimentation of protein precipitates, large particles, and cell debris.
Preparation of subcellular organelles such as mitochondria, granules, and crude microsomes.
Binding studies and separation of whole blood.
Cell isolation.
The department has two of these centrifuges, one is located in McKnight room 415, while the second is located McKnight room: 619-A.
The Microplate Reader designed to detect biological, chemical or physical events of samples in microtiter plates. They are widely used in research, drug discovery, bioassay validation, quality control and manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry and academic organizations. Sample reactions can be assayed in 6-1536 well format microtiter plates. The most common microplate format used in academic research laboratories or clinical diagnostic laboratories is 96-well (8 by 12 matrix) with a typical reaction volume between 100 and 200 µL per well. Common detection modes for microplate assays are absorbance, fluorescence intensity, luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence polarization.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was introduced in 1991 as a noncontact, noninvasive technique for in vivo imaging of the human retina. The technique uses a low-coherence infrared light beam, which is directed through the ocular media to the retina to produce an interference pattern. This interference pattern is then processed into a signal, which is used to create a two-dimensional image of the retina, analogous to a cross-sectional histological section. OCT has many applications in clinical ophthalmology.
Early models of OCT used time-domain technology for image acquisition. With this technique, near-infrared light is directed at the retina and also reflected from a reference mirror that is positioned at a known distance from each retinal layer. When light reflected from the retina combines with light reflected from the reference mirror, an interference pattern is formed that is interpreted as an A-scan signal by the OCT instrument. The reference mirror is then moved to different distances from the retina, thereby producing different signals for light reflected back from each respective retinal layer. In this manner, a time delay is used to form a different signal (A-scan) for each retinal layer at a rate of 512 A-scans per 1.3 seconds. Multiple A-scans are then combined to construct a two-dimensional image (B-scan) displaying a different signal for each retinal layer.
Recent models of OCT acquire images by keeping the reference mirror in one position and collecting all of the backscattered light from the retina at a single point in time. Rather than relying on the time-consuming movement of a reference mirror to relay a signal, newer technology relies on differences in the frequency spectrum of light reflected from the different retinal layers. This technique, known as spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT), allows for much faster acquisition of each A-scan signal at a rate of up to 18,000 to 40,000 A-scans per second. This faster acquisition speed allows for less potential motion artifact and higher axial image resolution (5 μm) compared to time-domain technology (12 to 15 μm).
The ChemiDoc MP system is a full-feature instrument for gel or western blot imaging. It is designed to address multiplex fluorescent western blotting, chemiluminescence detection, and general gel documentation applications. Its features are based on CCD high-resolution, high-sensitivity detection technology, and modular options to accommodate a wide range of samples and support multiple detection methods. The system is controlled by Image Lab™ software to optimize performance for fast, integrated, and automated image capture and analysis of various samples.
Features and Benefits:
Multiple imaging capabilities — the ChemiDoc MP imager can accommodate a variety of sample types and detection methods including multiplex fluorescent western blotting. It is the perfect imager to accompany your protein and DNA electrophoresis runs as well as your western blotting experiments. It delivers quantitative, reproducible results for fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and colorimetric detection.
Stain-free technology — UV-induced fluorescence labeling of proteins in the stain-free gels allows a 2 hr. Coomassie gel-staining protocol to be condensed into a 5 min stain-and-image step. Stain-free gels are western blot compatible — using the V3 Western Workflow™, check your electrophoresis results and blot transfer quality prior to western blotting.
High-sensitivity blot detection — the ChemiDoc MP imaging system offers advanced detection technology that determines optimal exposure, even for faint or intense samples. Superior sensitivity is achieved for chemiluminescence and multiplex fluorescence detection and for colorimetric gel and blot documentation.
Superior Image Quality — Exceptional dynamic range enables visualization of faint and intense bands on same blot or gel. Images are always in focus at any zoom level to ensure publication-ready images in seconds.
Ease of Use — precalibrated system provides the precise focus for any zoom setting or sample height; automated hands-free operation ensures consistent, reproducible, and high-throughput performance.
This Instrument is located in McKnight room 413-B. Gels containing Ethidum Bromide can be imaged using this instrument. Users are requested to thoroughly clean the instrument following the imaging of Ethidium Bromide gels.
Located in McKnight room 413-B, the BioTek Instruments Synergy™ HT Multi-Mode Microplate Reader is capable of identifying fluorescence, absorbance and luminescence measurements and was designed with an emphasis on superior performance in all detection methods. Unlike many multi-mode microplate readers, the Synergy HT utilizes a unique dual-optics design. When making fluorescence determinations, the Synergy HT uses a tungsten halogen lamp with interference filters for wavelength specificity in conjunction with a PMT detector.
The tungsten halogen lamp produces a large amount of light at a constant intensity, providing increased sensitivity and repeatability. Specially designed fluorescent interference filters prevent light leakage from excitation wavelength to the emission wavelength, particularly important with fluorescent compounds with small Stoke’s shifts. In addition, the ability to use filters with different bandpasses allows the investigator to tailor their fluorescence measurements to their experiment more effectively. The low noise PMT is operated in digital photon integration mode for high performance luminescence measurements. When absorbance measurements are made, the instrument switches to a Xenon Flash Lamp and a monochromator for wavelength selection.
The use of a xenon flash lamp allows for both UV and visible light absorbance measurements. The monochromator provides wavelength selection from 200 to 999 nm in 1 nm increments. Thus, dual-optics design allows the investigator to have three different reading modes without compromise. The Synergy HT has a 4-Zone™ temperature control system that ensures superior temperature uniformity necessary for kinetic assays. With a compact footprint and robot-accessible carrier design, the Synergy HT is also compatible with most automated systems. A Reagent Dispenser option is available.
Reader control is via BioTek’s Gen5™ Data Analysis Software. USB and serial ports are available for easy connectivity.
The Cannulation system measures the intraocular pressure of the subject eye via the insertion of a small needle into the anterior segment of the eye. This system provides more accurate measurements when compared to other means in a wide range of experimental models.
Location: McKnight Building,Third Floor
Cerebral Mechanics Optimotor System
Axiovert 200 microscopes are universally applicable inverted microscopes and are mainly used for the examination of cell and tissue cultures and of sediments in culture flasks, Petri dishes, microtiter plates, etc. in transmitted and reflected light. This microscope permits the performance of the transmitted-light techniques brightfield, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and VAREL contrast, and the epi-fluorescence technique.
The microscopes Axiovert 200 and Axiovert 200 M are the basis for scientific microscopic work on living cells.
The sturdy stand provides attachment possibilities for various tools (micromanipulation), different light sources, temperature control devices, etc.
Ample space is available for the specimens and the relevant handling systems on account of the inverted design, the LD illumination system of the microscope and the use of fixed stages. This permits the performance of experiments which would not be possible with upright microscopes.
The design allows the easy attachment of cameras, lasers, specific stages, etc.
This instrument is located in McKnight Room 413-E and is equipped with a camera and image capture software.
This Instrument is located in McKnight room 413-B. The Vacufuge Plus is designed for the evaporation of liquid or wet samples in micro test tubes, round bottom tubes, Falcon Tubes, Flat bottom tubes and different plates. The Vacufuge is capable of holding a wide range of tubes and plates. The Vacufuge is a complete system with an integrated diaphragm vacuum pump. Key features of the Vacufuge include:
Optional heat in order to speed evaporation with temperatures of 30, 45, or 60 degrees centigrade.
Evaporation of liquids can be optimized in three functions, pure desiccator, pure vacuum, and inclusion of a solvent trap in the vacuum line in order to speed evaporation.
Space saving design allows the instrument to be used on the lab bench.
The Typhoon Trio Plus is a variable-mode imager that produces digital images of radioactive, fluorescent, or chemiluminescent samples.
Performing Storage phosphor screen autoradiography with this instrument is a two-step procedure, first the storage phosphor screen is exposed to the sample inside an Exposure cassette and, secondly, the storage phosphor screen is scanned in the instrument.
When scanning a fluorescent or a chemiluminescent sample, the sample is placed
inside the instrument and is scanned directly. For fluorescent scanning there are a standard set of emission filters available from the manufacturer. Also, for fluorescent and chemiluminescent scanning beam splitters are available.
This instrument is located in McKnight room 413-B.
PhastSystem consists of a separation and control unit, a development unit, high-performance PhastGel® separation media, accessories, and a technical support package. These components work together to form a system for fast, high-resolution, and reproducible electrophoresis.
With PhastSystem, isoelectric focusing is as easy to perform as gel electrophoresis; Coomassie staining is as easy as silver staining.
This Instrument is located in Dr. Bhattacharya’s lab in McKnight room 706.
The Department has a Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis OCT System configured for the imaging of research subjects. This instrument is located in room 314 of the McKnight Building. Potential Users should note that this is a part of the McKnight Building DVR facility and users must comply with applicable DVR requirements.
This instrument is capable of performing multi-modality Diagnostic Imaging of research subject eyes. Using an upgradeable platform approach, the Spectralis has enhanced the role of spectral domain OCT by integrating it with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. The combination of these two technologies has enabled new imaging capabilities, such as TruTrack™ active eye tracking, and BluePeak™ blue laser autofluorescence, providing researchers with unique views of the structure and function of research subject eyes.
Images created with this instrument are capable of showing enhanced anatomical details, one micron measurable change and automatic rescan at follow-up are the direct benefits of TruTrack active eye tracking and simultaneous dual-beam imaging. These two technologies are at the core of the SPECTRALIS product platform. Enhanced image detail comes from Heidelberg Noise Reduction™, which improves images like Dolby® noise reduction improves recorded sound. Measuring change with one micron reproducibility is possible with AutoRescan, which automatically places follow-up scans in precisely the same location, bypassing operator variability. This precision is the product of 20 years of proven HRT technology, which paved the way for the dual-beam approach to imaging.
For additional information on access to, and training on the proper use of this instrument, potential users should contact Mr. Jose Echegaray-Mendez
The Department has two LAS 4000 Gel Imaging systems. The first system is located in McKnight room 413-B and can be used to image gels containing Ethidium Bromide. The second system is located in McKnight room 706 and can’t be used to image gels with Ethidium bromide.
The ImageQuant LAS 4000 is a camera system that produces digital images of chemiluminescent, dyed or fluorescent gels and membranes.
The following features are offered by the ImageQuant LAS 4000:
Digitized images of stained gels, membranes or films can be obtained by white light illumination.
A super CCD camera of 3.2 megapixels is used. An effective resolution of 6.3 megapixels can be obtained by the image processing procedure.
Internal cooling of the CCD contributes to a low thermal noise level resulting in greater sensitivity.
The F0.85 LAS High Sens. lens has remote focus and iris.
Chemiluminescence is detected at high sensitivity using a four-step binning algorithm.
Fluorescence is detected at high sensitivity using either a UV transilluminator or one of several Epi light sources.
Barnstead Lab-Line Imperial III General purpose incubators are useful in all types of general incubating and paraffin imbedding. Cabinets are made of heavy-gauge steel with a powder coated finish for optimum appearance and easy cleaning, while the interior walls are stainless steel to spread warm wall radiant heat evenly throughout the chamber. Heaters are in direct contact with chamber walls to allow close temperature control and quick recovery after door openings. This arrangement also minimizes temperature gradients and offers a large working area in the chamber. A double set of doors, the inner of tempered glass, permits unobstructed viewing of chamber contents without disturbing the interior environment. Slide-out shelving can be positioned to meet user requirements. A PID microprocessor based controller maintains chamber temperature. An over-temperature safety thermostat controls temperature in the event of primary control failure. A status lamp above each control is lit when the respective control is maintaining power to the heaters.
The Microtome Cryostat is a precision instrument used to freeze and section tissue specimens. The instrument consists of a cabinet with a refrigerated chamber, a refrigerated specimen holder, blade holder and microtome.
Located in the Histology Laboratory in Room 409 of the McKnight Building, the Department has a Lancer Vibratome 1000 system. A vibratome is an instrument that is similar to a microtome but uses a vibrating razor blade to cut through tissue. The vibration amplitude, the speed, and the angle of the blade can all be controlled. Fixed or fresh tissue pieces are embedded in low gelling temperature agarose. The resulting agarose block containing the tissue piece is then glued to a metal block and sectioned while submerged in a water or buffer bath. Individual sections are then collected with a fine brush and transferred to slides or multiwell plates for staining.
The automatic knife sharpener Leica SP9000 is a highly efficient instrument for re-sharpening microtome knives, giving a used knife edge the sharpness of a new or factory reconditioned knife. For resharpening, the knife is clamped in the knife holder at a fixed angle. The trans-parent plastic cover of the instrument is closed during the honing procedure to ensure safe operation and to avoid that dust and grinding particles are scattered over the work place.
This Instrument is a part of the Department’s Imaging core and is located in McKnight room 706. Mr. Gabriel Gaidosh is in charge of the day to day operations of the Imaging core and is located in room 706 to assist users with the use of this instrument.
The Leica Leitz 1512 microtome is an instrument with a high cutting precision for the effective preparation of paraffin-embedded specimens. The Leitz 1512 microtome was designed with all the controls placed on the front of the microtome, allowing rapid knife adjustment. This design also guarantees convenient operation during the setting of section thicknesses from 1 to 25 um, and during the controlled sectioning of the object.
Along with its quick and safe knife adjustment, the Leitz 1512 is equipped with a knife block featuring a double-sided holder which can be moved by hand along its 36 mm guide track and clamped in position. This rapid adjustment can be locked or unlocked by a lever, which obviates the time-consuming forward or backward alignment of the object holder through the spindle. The alignment of the knife with the specimen using the coarse adjustment is required only for the initial trimming of the object.
Capable of accurate specimen thicknesses, the Leica Leitz 1512 microtome is one of the best sectioning options for industrial and biological applications. The Leitz 1512 offers users its ergonomic design for utmost productivity.
The Department has three Nuaire Class 2 Biological Safety Cabinets located in the tissue culture room on the fourth floor (McKnight room 415). An additional two Cabinets are located in McKnight Room 619-C.
These Cabinets offer personnel, product, and environmental protection to obtain optimum control over product quality while reducing the potential for exposure of both product and personnel to airborne biological or particulate chemical agents in low to moderate risk-hazard research and drug preparation or product operations.
This instrument provides an integrated imaging solution for in vivo laboratory model eye research. The Micron retinal microscope delivers bright field and fluorescent imaging resolved down to 4μm. This instrument has been optimized for imaging model eyes based on a careful study of the optical plan of the eyes of laboratory subjects both in computer simulations and laboratory studies to deliver performance at the very physical limits of optical systems, resulting in a level of performance is not available in systems designed for human use with ad hoc adaptations for experimental models.
As a part of the instrumentation located in the third floor McKnight DVR facility the Ophthalmology Department has a World Precision Instrument UltraMicroPump II (UMP). This instrument uses microsyringes to dispense nanoliter sample volumes, and is suitable for the administration of small fluid volumes to the eyes of research subjects in the animal facility. Microsyringes are easily installed by placing the syringe barrel into the UltraMicroPump’s clamps. UltraMicroPump accepts syringes from 0.5μL to 250μL.
With its microprocessor controller, this versatile injector can be useful for a wide range of applications including intracellular injection, micro delivery of biochemical agents or dyes, cell separation and in vitro fertilization. The pump can be mounted directly onto a stereotaxic frame or micromanipulator. Operating parameters for the UltraMicroPump are set with the microprocessor controller. Up to four pumps may be independently controlled. User-defined operating parameters are stored in “non-volatile” memory for instant recall when the unit is powered on. An optional foot switch can be plugged into an RS232 port on the rear of the
controller for “hands free” start /stop operation. The same port may also be used to
connect the controller to a computer or to some other device for TTL triggering.
The Department has the following experimental imaging systems available in the McKnight Building.
Ex-Vivo Time Domain OCT System
En-Vivo Time Domain OCT System for experimental models
Fundus Camera
Three En-Vivo PERG Systems suitable for imaging experimental models
These instruments are experimental in nature and have been constructed by Department Faculty and Staff in the course of their research. The instruments are located on the second and third floors of the McKnight Building.
Access to each Instrument is controlled by the PI in charge of the lab that the instrument resides in. Potential users of each instrument will need to contact the respective PI to schedule access and obtain information about the proper operation of each instrument.
For instruments located on the third floor of the McKnight Building potential users will need to contact the Division of Veterinary Resources for access as well as satisfying all DVR requirements for access to their facilities.
Location: McKnight Building, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th Floors
Located in the Histology Laboratory in Room 409 of the McKnight Building, the Department has two Thermo Scientific Microm EC 350 is a modular paraffin embedding centers which are used to embed tissue samples prior to sectioning. The Thermo Scientific Microm EC 350 is a modular paraffin embedding center featuring innovative design as well as easy operation. Different possibilities of setting up this instrument offer a simple and flexible adaptation to the working methods in the respective lab. The cryo console can be placed either on the right or left side of the dispensing console.
The ergonomical arrangement of two large trays, which can be heated independently of each other, for the storage of cassettes and molds allow a flexible working method. A clearly and logically arranged operating panel allows for an easy programming of the working times and temperatures. The temperatures for the cryo console are also determined via this operating panel. It also can be controlled via the integrated timer. An illuminated, two-line display with adjustable contrast informs on the current temperatures as well as current time and date (five different languages can be selected, temperature indication optionally in °Celsius or °Fahrenheit).
The automatic timer allows energy-saving operation by automatic turning on and off via automatic calculation of the individual preheating times. The user only programs the desired operating times, everything else is done by the instrument itself. In doing so, weekends and, if necessary, holidays are automatically exempt from the automatic turning on, to optimize the durability of the stored paraffin.
A spacious, heated working area with a non-glare illumination and a swivelling large field magnifier allows fast, ergonomic operation. The paraffin flow can be released manually as well as via a foot switch. The flow rate can be set continuously. A cooling spot, which is integrated into the working surface, in close vicinity to the paraffin nozzle offers a simple and fast specimen orientation while processing with short movements. Six independently heated
holes for forceps offer comfortable manipulation of cable-free standard forceps.
The Department has six of these incubators located on throughout the McKnight Building. Four are located in McKnight room 415, and an additional two are located in in room 506.
The Thermo Scientific / Forma Steri-Cycle CO2 Incubators offer direct heating of the incubation chamber. The in-chamber HEPA air filtration system provides continuous protection against unwanted airborne contaminants and an on-demand, high temperature sterilization cycle, simplifies routine cleaning of the instrument between experiments. Precise CO2 control is maintained with TC (thermal conductivity) and IR (infrared) sensor, providing excellent temperature uniformity and environment recovery characteristics following the opening of the incubator.
Location: McKnight Building, Rooms 415, 506, and 619
Located in the Histology Laboratory in Room 409 of the McKnight Building, the Department has a Triangle Biomedical Science ATP Tissue Processor.This instrument is a microprocessor controlled tissue processor that is used to fix, stain and otherwise prepare research specimens for sectioning and further processing.
Located in the Histology Laboratory in Room 409 of the McKnight Building, the Department has a VWR® Illuminated Tissue Flotation Bath. The VWR Illuminated Tissue Flotation Baths are designed for use in the Histology Lab that is conducting tissue preparation. An LED illuminated black background with a transparent Pyrex dish allows for easy viewing of the sample which can also be removed for easy cleaning. The digital microprocessor control and temperature sensor ensures temperature uniformity while the safety over-temp device provides protection for of the samples. A compact footprint uses less bench space and the easy to read display can be seen easily throughout the lab.
Incubators are used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures or cell cultures. The incubator maintains optimal temperature, humidity and other conditions such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen content of the atmosphere inside. Incubators are essential for a lot of experimental work in cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology and are used to culture both bacterial as well as eukaryotic cells.
The simplest incubators are insulated boxes with an adjustable heater, typically going up to 60 to 65 °C (140 to 150 °F), though some can go slightly higher (generally to no more than 100 °C). The most commonly used temperature both for bacteria such as the frequently used E. coli as well as for mammalian cells is approximately 37 °C, as these organisms grow well under such conditions. For other organisms used in biological experiments, such as the budding yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), a growth temperature of 30 °C is optimal. This incubator is equipped with a HEPA filter to minimize contamination in the atmosphere inside the incubator.
These CO2 Incubators offer dependable Infrared (IR) CO2 Sensor control and are ideal for sensitive tissue and cell culture applications. They provide the benefits of contamination control and uncompromising temperature uniformity for even the most demanding incubations. Precision is easily maintained with push-button calibration of both temperature and CO2, and audio/visual alarms that signal high/low temperature and CO2 conditions. Modular controls and backup systems ensure confidence for incubating valuable samples, providing the dependable assurance you expect from a SHEL LAB incubator.
For the fastest CO2 recover and most stable performance, this series features IR sensors. Extensive use of copper in the CO2 sample port, heated CO2 feed line, housing of the patented HEPA filtration system, and humidity pan, adds reassurance that foreign microbes will not affect test results. Cleanup is a breeze with the all stainless steel chamber and autoclavable door gasket. Optional copper shelves are available for even more contamination control.
These incubators control three essential variables related to replicating the mammalian environment: Stable CO2 Level, Controlled Temperature, and Relative Humidity.
The Department has four VWR Model 2475 Waterjacket CO2 Incubators located in McKnight Room 619-C.
The Department has Two Vistavision inverted microscopes. One instrument is located in McKnight Room 415 while the other is located in Room 619-C. Additional objectives for these microscopes are located in room 415 next to the microscope.
The Axio Imager microscopes have been designed as universal microscopes for applications in biology and medicine for the examination of blood and/or tissue specimens from the human body. They may also be used as true reflected-light microscopes or, if equipped with transmitted-light equipment, as combined reflected-light/transmitted-light microscopes.
Typical applications of the Axio Imager microscopes include, for instance:
Medical examinations in laboratories (research), clinics and medical practices
Science and research (colleges, universities) in the fields of medicine and biology
With the advanced pyramid and modular design, the Axio Imager microscope incorporates time-tested principles in microscope construction, thus ideally combining modern requirements made on design, ergonomics, operating convenience and function with technical performance.
Depending on the instrument configuration, the following microscopy and contrasting techniques are possible:
This Instrument is located in Dr. Harbour’s lab located on the eighth floor of the Biological Research Building (BRB). Individuals desiring access to this instrument should contact either Christina Decatur or Dr. Harbour.
Location: Biological Research Building (BRB), 8th Floor
The Zeiss Spencer Binocular Microscope is an optical microscope variant designed for low magnification observation of a sample, typically using light reflected from the surface of an object rather than transmitted through it. The instrument uses two separate optical paths with two objectives and eyepieces to provide slightly different viewing angles to the left and right eyes. This arrangement produces a three-dimensional visualization of the sample being examined. Stereomicroscopy overlaps macrophotography for recording and examining solid samples with complex surface topography, where a three-dimensional view is needed for analyzing the detail.
The stereo microscope is often used to study the surfaces of solid specimens or to carry out close work such as dissection, microsurgery, watch-making, circuit board manufacture or inspection, and fracture surfaces.
This instrument is located in McKnight Room 413-B. This microscope provides brilliant, sharp, distortion-free across a range of magnifications. The instrument is capable of a range of magnifications, ranging from 6.50x to 50x either continuously or via a series of click stops. The wide field of view allows unobstructed views of objects up to 35 mm in diameter.