VISION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER

描述（由申请人提供）：1979年，NEI核心资助被授予阿拉巴马大学伯明翰分校（UAB）。在接下来的24年里，该机构对发展的持续承诺导致了UAB视觉研究的显着扩展。核心赠款的参与者从两个部门的13人增加到代表8个部门的24人，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，不包括机构奖励，而1998年为350万美元。UAB的视觉相关研究的校外资助总额从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、生化、生理和心理物理研究。其他研究领域包括近视、河盲症、晶状体和角膜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核心资助参与者提供服务和设施。这些模块提供易于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这些设施。还要求资金支持一个重要的新的分子生物学模块。

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.