VISION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER

描述（由申请人提供）：1979年，NEI核心补助金被授予伯明翰的亚拉巴马大学（UAB）。 在接下来的24年里，该机构对增长的持续承诺导致了UAB视觉研究的显着扩展。 核心补助金的参与者从两个部门的13人增加到代表八个部门的24人，同时校外资金也随之增加。每年，NEI向核心赠款参与者提供的资金超过500万美元，不包括机构赠款，而1998年为350万美元。UAB与视觉相关研究的校外资金总额从1998年的600多万美元增长到2003年的1150万美元。该小组的主要研究重点是视觉神经科学，其中17名参与者积极参与视网膜和中央视觉通路的解剖学，生物化学，生理学和心理物理学研究。其他研究领域包括近视、河盲症、透镜和角膜的生物化学以及玻璃体生物化学。该申请要求资金继续通过电子，机器，组织学分析和成像以及计算机模块为UAB核心补助金参与者提供服务和设施。这些模块提供了方便使用的技术设施和专门知识，以便在专门为此目的设计的专用空间中使用它们。还要求提供资金，以支持一个重要的新的分子生物学单元。 电子模块由电子专家组成，包括设计和建造新电子设备以及提供维修和维护服务所需的所有设备。机械车间配备了车床，铣床和其他机床，并配备了工具和模具制造商，他们设计和制造新的机械设备，并可以修理或维护机械设备。组织学分析模块提供设备齐全的组织学实验室和显微镜设施。经验丰富的组织学技术员提供组织学和成像程序方面的专业知识和培训。计算机模块提供访问高端计算机和外围设备，编程能力，并与办公室和实验室计算机和软件的援助。 一名计算机专家负责系统管理、联网以及学员计算机系统硬件和软件的安装和故障排除。 分子生物学模块将提供真实的时间PCR研究和原位杂交的主要工具。模块经理将为实验设计、技术专长和实验室人员培训提供咨询。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In 1979, an NEI Core Grant was awarded to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Over the next 24 years, the institution's continued commitment to growth has resulted in a remarkable expansion in vision research at UAB. Participants in the Core Grant have increased from thirteen in two departments to twenty-four representing eight departments, and there has been a concomitant increase in extramural funding. Annually, NEI funding to Core Grant participants exceeds $5 million, not including institutional awards, compared to 3.5 million in 1998. Total extramural funding for vision-related research at UAB has grown from just over $6 million in 1998 to $11.5 million in 2003. A major research focus of the group is visual neuroscience, with seventeen of the participants actively involved in anatomical, biochemical, physiological, and psychophysical studies of the retina and central visual pathways. Other areas of research include myopia, river blindness, biochemistry of the lens and cornea, and vitreous biochemistry. This application requests funds to continue to provide services and facilities to UAB Core Grant participants through the Electronics, Machine, Histological Analysis and Imaging, and Computer modules. These modules provide easily accessible technical facilities and the expertise to use them in dedicated space designed specifically for the purpose. Funds are also requested to support an important new Molecular Biology Module. The Electronics Module is staffed by an Electronics Specialist and includes all of the equipment required to design and build new electronic apparatus, and to provide repair and maintenance services. The Machine Shop is fully equipped with a lathe, milling machine and other machine tools, and is staffed by a Tool and Die maker who designs and fabricates new mechanical devices and can repair or maintain mechanical equipment. The Histological Analysis Module provides a fully equipped histology laboratory and microscopy facility. An experienced histology technician provides expertise and training in histology and imaging procedures. The Computer Module provides access to high-end computers and peripherals, programming capability, and assistance with office and lab computers and software. A computer specialist is available for systems administration, networking, and for installing and troubleshooting hardware and software on participant's computer systems. The Molecular Biology Module will provide access to major intrumentation for real time PCR studies and in situ hybridization. The Module Manager will provide consultation for experimental design, technical expertise, and training of laboratory personnel.