Acquisition of a Multi-Photon-Ready Microscope at Texas State University

已向得克萨斯州立大学圣马科斯分校提供一笔赠款，使其能够购买一个多光子就绪显微镜系统，该系统包括一个扫描共聚焦系统，可通过今后增加一个红外激光器转换为多光子能力。 共焦显微镜使科学家能够看到微观的荧光物体，即使它们非常接近（例如，万分之一毫米）。 这一壮举是可能的，因为共焦显微镜使用光学消除失焦光，创造非常狭窄的焦点平面。他们使用数字图像从二维图像重建三维图像。 除了生成令人惊叹的显微照片外，共聚焦显微镜还使科学家能够检查细胞中各种蛋白质和大分子之间的关系。新的共聚焦显微镜将促进德克萨斯州立大学为不同科学家提供的教学和研究。 项目包括研究神经再生以及动物、植物和细菌中参与信号传递的蛋白质之间的相互作用。教师和学生来自附近的得克萨斯州路德教（约24%的西班牙裔）和圣玛丽？美国的大学（约51%的西班牙裔）将研究细菌的进化和神经元发育的调节。德克萨斯州？的材料科学小组将使用共聚焦显微镜，以更好地了解用于涂层火箭发动机的纳米材料的结构。教育与参与大学的研究紧密交织在一起，学生将进行大部分研究。超过20名研究生（目前17%的少数民族，50%的妇女）将使用显微镜在得克萨斯州每年。因此，这一工具将对下一代科学家的职业抱负产生重大影响。

A grant has been awarded to Texas State University-San Marcos to enable the purchase of a multiphoton-ready microscopy system consisting of a scanning confocal system that can be converted to multiphoton capability by future addition of an infra-red laser. Confocal microscopes revolutionized microscopy by enabling scientists to see microscopic, fluorescing objects even when they are very close together (e.g. 1 ten-thousandth of a millimeter apart). This feat is possible because confocal microscopes use optics to eliminate out-of-focus light, creating very narrow planes of focus. They use digital imagery to reconstruct three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images. In addition to generating stunning micrographs, confocal microscopy enables scientists to examine the relationships among various proteins and large molecules in cells.The new confocal microscope will promote teaching and research at Texas State University for diverse scientists. Projects include investigations of nerve regeneration and the interactions among proteins involved in signaling relays in animals, plants and bacteria. Faculty and students from nearby Texas Lutheran (~24% Hispanic) and Saint Mary?s Universities(~51% Hispanic) will study evolution in bacteria and regulation of the development of neurons. Texas State?s Materials Science group will use confocal microscopy to better understand the structure of nanomaterials used in coating rocket motors. Education is tightly interwoven with research at the participating universities, and students will be performing most of the research. More than 20 graduate students (currently 17% minority, 50% women) will use the microscope at Texas State each year. Thus, this instrument will have a significant impact on the career aspirations of the next generation of scientists.