Ultra-low temperature freezer and dry ice maker

我们是一群行为神经学家，致力于哺乳动物、鸟类和昆虫模型系统的研究，使用一系列需要我们在超低温(-80摄氏度)下存储样本的方法。我们对一系列神经系统和组织的研究要求我们生成和维护组织和组织提取样本、试剂和抗体。这些都是非常脆弱的，而且它们也非常昂贵，要么是因为购买，要么是因为我们投入了大量的时间和其他人力资源来收集它们。所有这些都需要在超低温下储存。我们以前可以使用的一台-80oC的机器不再可用，我们只能临时使用一位同事的现有冰箱，她自己的项目需要它。这是我们部门唯一的一台机器。因此，我们现在寻求的替代物是紧迫的，因为我们在这种温度下缺乏足够的存储空间来满足我们的所有需要，也因为如果我们只能短期接触的唯一工作仪器发生故障，我们将无法获得任何超低温。我们无法将冷冻样本运送到附近的部门或建筑物。我们还需要接触到干冰(固体二氧化碳)机器，以便在储存之前快速冷冻标本。这对低温设备将支持四名共同申请者及其本科生、研究生和博士后实习生在不同职业阶段的研究计划，他们的计划集中在行为和免疫的神经机制上。

We are a group of behavioural neuroscientists who work on mammalian, avian and insect model systems, using a range of methods that require us to store samples at ultra-low temperatures (-80oC). Our studies on a range of nervous systems and tissues require us to generate and maintain tissue and tissue extract samples, reagents, and antibodies. These are all highly vulnerable and they are also very expensive, either to purchase or because we have invested a large amount of time or other human resources in collecting them. All need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures. A -80oC machine formerly available to us is no longer available, and we have only temporary access to an existing freezer belonging to a colleague who needs it for her own program. This is the only machine in our department. The replacement we now seek is therefore urgent both because we lack sufficient storage space at this temperature for all our needs, and because if the one working instrument, to which we have only short-term access, were ever to break down, we would lack any access to ultralow temperatures whatsoever. We are not able to transport frozen samples to nearby departments or buildings. We also need access to a dry-ice (solid CO2) machine to freeze specimens rapidly prior to storage. This cryogenic duo of equipment will support the research programs of four co-applicants and their undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral trainees, at different career stages, whose programs converge on the neural mechanisms of behaviour and immunity.