VISION SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER

描述（由申请人提供）：1979 年，阿拉巴马大学伯明翰分校 (UAB) 获得了 NEI 核心补助金。 在接下来的 24 年里，该机构对发展的持续承诺导致了阿拉巴马大学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 8 个部门的 24 人，外部资金也随之增加。每年，NEI 为核心资助参与者提供的资助超过 500 万美元（不包括机构奖项），而 1998 年为 350 万美元。 UAB 视觉相关研究的校外资助总额已从 1998 年的略高于 600 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枢视觉的解剖、生化、生理和心理物理学研究途径。其他研究领域包括近视、河盲症、晶状体和角膜的生物化学以及玻璃体生物化学。该申请请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向 UAB 核心拨款参与者提供服务和设施。这些模块提供了易于使用的技术设施和专业知识，可以在专门为此目的设计的专用空间中使用它们。还需要资金支持一个重要的新分子生物学模块。 电子模块由电子专家配备，包括设计和制造新电子设备以及提供维修和维护服务所需的所有设备。机加工车间配备了车床、铣床等机床，并配备了模具制造师，负责设计和制造新型机械设备，并​​能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人员提供组织学和成像程序方面的专业知识和培训。计算机模块提供对高端计算机和外围设备的访问、编程能力以及办公室和实验室计算机和软件的帮助。 计算机专家可负责系统管理、网络以及参与者计算机系统上的硬件和软件的安装和故障排除。 分子生物学模块将提供实时 PCR 研究和原位杂交的主要仪器。模块经理将提供实验设计、技术专业知识和实验室人员培训方面的咨询。

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.