UCCRC Core Facilities: Integrated Microscopy

Scientific Director:  Benjamin Glick, PhD

Technical Directors:

Shirley Bond, MA, Digital Light Microscopy

Christine Labno, PhD, Confocal Digital Imaging Facility

Vytas Bindokas, PhD, Confocal Digital Imaging Facility

Digital Light Microscopy Phone: 773-834-2639

Confocal Microscopy Phone: 773-834-9040

Web Site:  http://digital.bsd.uchicago.edu

The Integrated Microscopy Facility functions as a supervised, user-based core by providing state-of-the-art microscopy imaging capabilities to investigators through microscopy instrumentation, image analysis tools, and expert training and assistance. The Facility strives to provide high-quality optics and equipment that most labs do not possess, including confocal and state-of-the-art two-photon spectral microscopes. Available techniques provided by the Facility include classic color histological stain imaging, contrast generation in unstained cells, and fluorescence technologies that allow for applications ranging from localization of multiple targets to readouts of biochemical or physiologic parameters in either fixed or living preparations.

Services

  • Light microscopes with brightfield and fluorescence optics, including high-end objectives and technologies (color, phase contrast, DIC, multi-parameter fluorescence including multi-ratio imaging and laser-based TIRFM);
  • Digital image capture:  high-resolution B/W and color CCD cameras, high-sensitivity CCDs, and high-speed EMCCD;
  • Confocal microscopy (four systems) including two-photon spectral systems (high-resolution, high- sensitivity, and high-speed image capture);
  • Support for live sample maintenance (stage incubators and CO2 maintenance) and imaging (XYZT capability, confocal imaging of live mouse preparations);
  • User training on microscopes, workstations, and software;
  • Data storage, back-up, oversight, and maintenance;
  • Data analysis workstations (6 dedicated) with software (offline analysis, deconvolution, and graphics) and publication-quality printers (6) connected to servers (three RAID-5, redundant backup);
  • Consultation (acquisition, analysis, and display);
  • New product awareness and demonstrations; and
  • Assistance in feasibility studies, grant applications, technique/technology development.