Fluorescence Microscope with Computer Linkage to Support Undergraduate Studies in Physiology, Genetics & Anatomy

这个项目的目标是为学生提供一个在细胞和分子水平上进行生物现象实验的机会。主要的新设备包括一个尼康荧光显微镜相机系统，一个低温恒温器，以及通过一个用于图像分析的闭路视频系统连接到荧光显微镜的计算机设备。荧光标记可用于研究人类、动物和植物染色体、细胞发育和脑通路等。目前一些学生的研究项目涉及海马体基因的激活，追踪大脑中的神经通路，验证肾上腺髓质组织移植到大脑的成功，脊髓的性别分化，以及分析合成代谢类固醇和运动后肌肉细胞的变化。计算机设备与荧光显微镜和图像分析程序相连接，以支持各种实验方案。学生可以在实验室中探索生命的分子基础，熟练使用与计算机系统相连的设备，同时通过这些系统体验到增加的实验设计和分析能力。这种新设备正在加强生理学、遗传学和进化、生物学导论和本科生研究的生物实验室工作。受资助机构将从非联邦来源获得等额的NSF奖励。

The goal of this project is to provide students an opportunity to conduct experiments with biological phenomena at the cellular and molecular levels. The major new equipment includes a Nikon fluorescence microscope-camera system, a cryostat, and computer equipment linked to the fluorescence microscope through a closed- circuit video system for image analysis. Fluorescence markers are used to study , e.g., human, animal and plant chromosomes, cellular development and brain pathways. Some current student research projects involve the activation of genes in the hippocampus, tracing neural pathways in the brain, verification of success of transplantation of adrenal medulla tissue to the brain, sexual differentiation in the spinal cord, and analysis of muscle cell changes following the administration of anabolic steroids and exercise. The computer equipment is being linked to the fluorescence microscope and image analysis programs written to support the various experimental protocols. Students can explore the molecular basis of life in the laboratory, becoming proficient with equipment that is linked to computer systems while experiencing the increased experimental design and analysis capabilities available through such systems. This new equipment is enhancing biological laboratory work in Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Introduction to Biology, and undergraduate student research. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.