MRI: Acquisition of a Shared Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope at the Institute of Neurobiology

波多黎各大学医学分校(UPR MSC)获得了一台最先进的激光扫描共聚焦显微镜(LSCM)。该仪器克服了以前限制神经系统和其他复杂三维结构中荧光信号的检测和精确定位的障碍。LSCM将设在神经生物学研究所(IN)，这是UPR MSC的一个独立单位。组成IN的11个实验室利用各种模型系统，从果蝇的神经肌肉连接到细胞培养中的哺乳动物神经元，以解决现代神经科学面临的一些最具挑战性的问题。LSCM将使整个波多黎各神经科学界以及其他学科的研究人员受益，这些学科需要在生物组织内对荧光标记进行精确的空间定位。除了增强研究目标外，收购尖端成像仪器将显著影响波多黎各大学医学校园的教育目标和能力。拟议中的仪器将使与NSF支持的两个主要倡议相关的学生受益：神经网络和行为方面的本科生研究指导(URM)计划，该计划支持全岛神经科学实验室的本科生进行全年研究；环境神经科学研究卓越科学和技术中心(CREST)，其合作伙伴神经生物学家和生态学家，研究人为因素对神经系统功能的影响。最后，这一工具将促进普遍定期审议与主要国际调查人员之间的合作，为学生提供在主要研究机构接受部分培训的机会。这样的经历极大地拓宽了他们的视野，并最终导致他们更广泛地参与到国家的STEM劳动力队伍中。

An award has been made to the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus (UPR MSC) to acquire a state-of-the-art Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM). This instrument overcomes obstacles that previously limited the detection and precise localization of fluorescent signals within nervous systems and other complex three-dimensional structures. The LSCM will be housed at the Institute of Neurobiology (IN), a freestanding unit of the UPR MSC. Eleven laboratories that comprise the IN utilize a variety of model systems, ranging from the neuromuscular junction of Drosophila to mammalian neurons in cell culture, to address some of the most challenging issues facing modern neuroscience. The LSCM will benefit the entire neuroscience community of Puerto Rico as well as investigators in other disciplines that require precise spatial localization of fluorescent markers within biological tissues.In addition to enhancing research objectives, acquisition of cutting-edge imaging instrumentation will significantly impact the educational goals and capabilities of the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. The proposed instrumentation will benefit students associated with two major NSF-supported initiatives: the Undergraduate Research Mentoring (URM) program in Neural Networks and Behavior which supports year-round investigation by undergraduate students in neuroscience labs throughout the island, and the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) in Environmental Neuroscience which partners neurobiologists with ecologists investigating the effects of anthropogenic factors on nervous system function. Finally, this instrumentation will promote collaborations between the UPR and leading international investigators, providing opportunities for students to receive a part of their training at major research institutions. Such experiences greatly expand their horizons and ultimately lead to broadened participation in the nation's STEM workforce.