Cellular Imaging - About
We work with a number of full-service core facilities on campus. Including biological transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
We provide training for members of SWEHSC labs on a number of different computer-controlled microscopes. In addition we have software and expertise to support labs that have a need for quantitative image analysis.
Paraffin embedded or snap frozen tissue sections (oil red O stain for lipids shown) allow SWEHSC labs to study cell and tissue morphology, perform routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization. Full-service histology & IHC services are available, as well as a widefield microscope with a color camera for image capture, Whole Slide Imaging systems (WSI, including brightfield, polarized light and fluorescence) and software for image analysis.
In addition to confocal microscopy (show here), SWEHSC labs have access to multicolor widefield fluorescence, whole slide scanning using fluorescence, multiphoton, and superresolution (SR-SIM, Airyscan, SMLM) fluorescence microscopes. See our instrumentation list.
The Facility Core's leadership draws from over 40 years of experience in microscopy and microscopic techniques. We strive to assist Center investigators to perform high quality research that makes the best use of microscopic and digital imaging techniques.
How can we help you?
We are available to help SWEHSC investigators with experimental design and troubleshooting of protocols. We can help your lab work through quality control issues in the service labs and provide technical support for the instruments that are affiliated with the Facility Core.
We provide hands-on training in a variety of techniques, and for a number of instruments. For example, if your lab needs to learn more about immunostaining, digital imaging, image analysis, or confocal microscopy, contact the Facility Core. See our Services page for more information on training opportunities.
The Facility Core has been involved with the development of techniques for toxicology-related research. We can also assist your lab in the development of a technique that you've discovered in the scientific literature. For more information, please contact Mr. Cromey.
After your experiment has been completed, the Facility Core can assist your lab with the analysis of the results. We have extensive experience in the interpretation of data generated by microscopes.
This facility core is very different. Why?
Early on we realized that there simply were not enough funds, nor was there strong enough investigator need, to allow us to operate our own microscopy facilities. Instead we opted to support and encourage the use of the existing campus microscopy-related facilities. To SWEHSC investigators and their labs we provide an additional level of personalized service and support that is typically not available to regular users of these facilities.
This means that while SWEHSC investigators pay the fees for the services provided by the campus microscopy-related facilities (operated by RII or UACC), the additional personalized technical support available from the Cellular Imaging Resource is paid for by the center grant. For investigators that do not have experience with microscopy, this support can assure successful experiments and possibly reduce the cost of the experiments through wise use of the campus microscopy-related facilities. (Please note: the UA has funded a subsidy account to reduce costs for SWEHSC members using RII core facilities)