cmrf.research.uiowa.eduCentral Microscopy Research Facility

Skip to main content University of Iowa Search Researcher Handbook University of Iowa Central Microscopy (CMRF) Celebrating 45 Years of Advancing University of Iowa Research At the University of Iowa's , we provide a wide variety of microscopy techniques for materials and biomedical investigators, an experienced staff, and support for the beginner and experienced investigator. As one of the leading university microscopy facilities in the nation, our microscopy team is ready to support your research program. -------------------- CMRF News -------------------- Important Notice Regarding Equipment Scheduling!! The CMRF is moving to a new instrument reservation system, Infinity from Idea Elan. Infinity will streamline the reservation process, and be accessible from on and off campus. Reservations can be made with two clicks via computers and custom Android and iOS apps. The current OCF system will be decommissioned. Please contact a CMRF staff member ASAP to be added to the new scheduling sy s tem! Leica SP8 Confocal-STED Super-resolution System Upgraded 775 nm Depletion Laser Added The CMRF’s Leica Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) super-resolution imaging system, based on an SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope, has recently been upgraded. STED delivers resolution beyond the theoretical limit of light, and fills the resolution gap between standard confocal and electron microscopy. The system now features a 775 nm pulsed depletion laser, in addition to the existing 660 nm depletion laser. This addition will simplify multiple label STED experiments, increase resolution (<40 nm), and reduce photobleaching. The STED system also now features a 93x glycerol lens that will facilitate imaging at greater depth. Follow this link for more information on the system, and sample preparation guides. Below is an example of the dramatic increase in resolution provided by STED. The sample is 23 nm beads labeled with ATTO647N (top two images) and Alexa 594. Confocal images on the left, 775 nm STED on the right. Note the typical diffraction-limited 200 nm spots in the confocal images, and the dramatic resolution improvement in the STED images. FRAP and FRET Wizard Installed on Leica SP8 Confocal/STED Also, the CMRF has upgraded the Leica SP8 Confocal/STED microscope with FRAP and FRET software. The new modules use a “Wizard” format to guide you through configuration and data collection. FRAP and FRET software guides can be found on the SP8 website . High-end Workstation for Huygen's Pro Deconvolution and Imaris 3D and 4D Real-time Interactive Visualization and Analysis Software. To process, analyze and visualize STED and confocal data sets, the CMRF maintains current copies of SVI’s Huygen’s Pro and Oxford’s Imaris . Huygen’s is the gold standard deconvolution app, increasing resolution and removing noise from confocal and STED z-stacks. Imaris is the world’s leading 3D-4D image visualization and analysis package, providing sophisticated, easy-to-use volume, distance and tracking modules. Both apps are installed on a custom-built high-end PC workstation. Huygen's Pro features easy-to-use wizards that guide the user through the deconvolution process. Background flare is removed, and resolution can be be improved by 2x. With just a few steps, Imaris delivers quantitative volumetric and motion-analysis results. Custom Imaris modules are available for neuroscience, (e.g. dendrite and spine analysis,) and co-localization studies. Other available features include: Imaris Measurement Pro: Shape, size and intensity-based quantification. Imaris Track: Imaging, tracking and motion analysis of live cells and moving objects in 2D and 3D. Imaris Filament Tracer: Automatic detection of neurons (dendritic trees, axons and spines,) microtubules, and other filament-like structures in 2D, 3D and 4D. Imaris Coloc: Quantify and document co-distribution of multiple stained biological components. Imaris Cell: Quantitatively examine micro relationships that exist within and between cells. Imaris Vantage: Compare and contrast experimental groups by visualizing image data in five dimensions as uni- or multi-variate scatterplots. New Paraffin Processor The CMRF recently installed a Tissue-Tek® VIP® 6 AI Vacuum Infiltration Paraffin Processor. This state-of-the-art system provides reproducible, high-quality processing of histological samples into paraffin. For more information, contact Chantal at chantal-allamargot@uiowa.edu . High-Resolution Iridium Sputter Coater Available! The CMRF has purchased a Quorum Technologies 150T ES Iridium sputter coater to support high-resolution SEM imaging. It is capable of producing coatings that are much thinner than standard Au/Pd sputter coating, which can result in higher-resolution images. The QT 150T ES is the ideal coating system for routine imaging above 50,000x. Contact CMRF staff if you are interested in using this instrument. Office of the Vice President for Research article on the 2016 Art in Science Contest CMRF Staff are available Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and will be happy to assist you! Call 335-8142 or email Randy Nessler for more information. Home About Us Using the Facility Online Scheduling Instrumentation Methodology Courses Offered Research Examples Iowa Microscopy Society Links Funding Opportunities Thank a Staff Member research COI DSP EHS IRB OAR RIS VPR contact us 85 Eckstein Medical Research Building Iowa City, IA 52242 319-335-8142 Randy Nessler Thank a Staff Member...