An Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) for Duke University

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This award provides support for purchase an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) to be used for examining fully hydrated specimens, a use not possible with a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ESEM is fully capable of handling observation of wet, dirty, uncoated, even living specimens, as well as observation of dynamic biological processes. The ability of the ESEM to maintain the hydration of a sample indefinitely allows the examination of biological and other wet samples in their natural state. Initial uses for the instrument include studies in botanical and fungal sytematics, tracking of neural crest cell migration and other developmental processes, including imaginal disk folding, and examination of unprocessed or immunolabelled tissue samples. In addition to its use in research, the instrument will be used in training of undergraduate and graduate students and as part of training activities involving high school teachers.