DUAL BEAM SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE FOR HYDRATED AND SOFT MATERIAL APPLICATIONS

该奖项用于购买高分辨率双光束环境扫描电子显微镜，该显微镜将被安置在该大学的生命科学显微镜设施中。这种新型显微镜提供了独特的成像能力，通过结合低温技术以及高分辨率的离子铣削和电子束成像，将加速发现使用水合和软样品的问题。在环境条件下成像（ESEM）的能力为动态实验增加了令人兴奋的能力。研究人员将探索许多应用，如：(1)成像植物细胞在各种植物器官表面和内部的变形，以推断细胞壁的生物物理特性是如何被细胞壁相关基因的特定突变所改变的；(2)识别和定位植物细胞室的特定元素，以阐明植物细胞可以隔离高浓度有毒元素的机制，有助于植物修复。(3)成像纳米材料与细胞结构的相互作用，揭示纳米探针在细胞内的位置及其对细胞内功能的影响。该仪器在大学教学和外展任务中的应用将完成如下：(1)通过互联网接口远程控制显微镜，将高科技和科学成像的兴奋感直接带入校园内外的教室；(2)由法医学等先进实验室小组解决问题；(3)向印第安纳州的初中和高中推广（科学绑定计划和学校/部门推广）；(4)通过每年在大学举办的Howard Hughes和MARC暑期项目，向历史上代表性不足的学生伸出援手；(5)加强与历史上少数民族机构的现有研究和教学互动，包括“虚拟”显微镜体验；(6)在Envision中心的协助下，为所有层次构建教材；(6)与地区机构的合作研究和教学互动。

This award is for the acquisition of a High-Resolution Dual-Beam Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope to be housed in the university's Life Sciences Microscopy Facility. This new microscope provides unique imaging capabilities that will accelerate discovery in problems using hydrated and soft samples, by incorporating cryo techniques along with ion milling and electron beam imaging at high resolution. The ability to image under environmental conditions (ESEM) adds exciting capabilities for dynamic experimentation. Researchers will explore many applications such as (1) Imaging plant cell deformation on the surface and internal to various plant organs to deduce how the biophysical properties of their cell walls have been modified by specific mutations in cell wall-related genes, (2) Identifying and localizing specific elements to plant cellular compartments to shed light on the mechanism by which plant cells can sequester high concentrations of toxic elements, useful for phytoremediation, and (3) Imaging the interactions of nanomaterials with cellular structures to reveal the position of nanoprobes within the cell and their influence on intracellular functions. Application of this instrument to the teaching and outreach mission of the university will be accomplished as follows: (1) Bringing the excitement of high technology and scientific imaging directly to the classroom, both on and off campus, through remote microscope control via internet interface, (2) Problem solving by advanced lab groups such as in Forensic Science, (3) Outreach to middle and high schools throughout Indiana (Science Bound Program & school/departmental outreach), (4) Outreach to historically under-represented students in science through programs such as the Howard Hughes and MARC summer programs held annually at the university, (5) Enhancing existing research and teaching interactions with historic minority institutions to include "virtual" microscopy experiences, (6) Construction of teaching materials for all levels (with the assistance of the Envision Center), and (6) Collaborative research and teaching interactions with regional institutions.