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30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29人，并且校外资金也随之增加。每年，NEI向核心补助金参与者提供的资金超过300万美元，不包括机构奖励。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2008年的1500万美元。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、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，机械车间，计算机和分子和细胞分析模块向UAB核心赠款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，以便在专门为每种目的设计的专用空间中使用它们。电子模块由电子工程师组成，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。计算机模块提供访问高端计算机和外围设备，自定义编程能力，并与办公室和实验室计算机和软件的援助。计算机程序员可用于系统管理和网络。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。分子和细胞分析核心为DNA，RNA和蛋白质研究提供了主要仪器。博士水平的研究助理提供所有这些领域的专业知识和培训。此外，还提供组织分析设备和专业知识，包括常规组织处理、组织学染色、免疫组织化学研究和原位杂交。兼职组织学技术员为实验设计、技术专长和实验室人员培训提供咨询。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): In 1979, a NEI Core Grant was awarded to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Over the next 30 years, the institution's continued commitment to growth resulted in a remarkable expansion in vision research at UAB. Participants in the Core Grant have increased from thirteen in two departments to twenty-nine representing eight departments, and there has been a concomitant increase in extramural funding. Annually, NEI funding to Core Grant participants exceeds $3 million, not including institutional awards. Total extramural funding for vision-related research at UAB has grown from just over $6 million in 1998 to $15 million in 2008. 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, 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 Shop, Computer and Molecular and Cellular Analysis modules. These modules provide easily accessible technical facilities and the expertise to use them in dedicated spaces designed specifically for each purpose. The Electronics Module is staffed by an Electronics Engineer and includes all of the equipment required to design and build new electronic apparatus, and to provide repair and maintenance services. The Computer Module provides access to high-end computers and peripherals, custom programming capability, and assistance with office and lab computers and software. A computer programmer is available for systems administration, and networking. 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 Molecular and Cellular Analysis Core provides access to major instrumentation for DNA, RNA and protein studies. A PhD level Research Associate provides expertise and training in all of these areas. In addition, equipment and expertise for tissue analyses including routine tissue processing, histological stains, immunohistochemical studies, and in situ hybridization is available. A part time histological technician provides consultation for experimental design, technical expertise, and training of laboratory personnel.