Fluorescence Microscope with Computer Linkage to Support Undergraduate Studies in Physiology, Genetics & Anatomy

这个项目的目标是为学生提供一个机会， 在细胞内进行生物现象实验， 分子水平。 主要的新设备包括尼康 荧光显微镜-照相机系统、低温恒温器和计算机 设备通过一个封闭的连接到荧光显微镜， 电路视频系统进行图像分析。 荧光标记物用于研究，例如，人类和 植物染色体、细胞发育和大脑通路。 一些 目前的学生研究项目涉及基因的激活， 海马体，追踪大脑中的神经通路，验证 肾上腺髓质组织移植到大脑的成功， 脊髓的性别分化和肌细胞分析 服用合成代谢类固醇和运动后的变化。 计算机设备正与荧光显微镜连接 和图像分析程序编写，以支持各种实验 协议. 学生可以探索生命的分子基础， 实验室，成为熟练的设备，是链接到 计算机系统，同时体验增加的实验设计 以及通过这些系统可获得的分析能力。 这种新设备正在加强生物实验室的工作， 生理学、遗传学和进化，生物学导论， 本科生研究。 受助机构正在匹配 美国国家科学基金会的奖励与从非联邦来源获得的同等金额。

The goal of this project is to provide students an opportunity to conduct experiments with biological phenomena at the cellular and molecular levels. The major new equipment includes a Nikon fluorescence microscope-camera system, a cryostat, and computer equipment linked to the fluorescence microscope through a closed- circuit video system for image analysis. Fluorescence markers are used to study , e.g., human, animal and plant chromosomes, cellular development and brain pathways. Some current student research projects involve the activation of genes in the hippocampus, tracing neural pathways in the brain, verification of success of transplantation of adrenal medulla tissue to the brain, sexual differentiation in the spinal cord, and analysis of muscle cell changes following the administration of anabolic steroids and exercise. The computer equipment is being linked to the fluorescence microscope and image analysis programs written to support the various experimental protocols. Students can explore the molecular basis of life in the laboratory, becoming proficient with equipment that is linked to computer systems while experiencing the increased experimental design and analysis capabilities available through such systems. This new equipment is enhancing biological laboratory work in Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Introduction to Biology, and undergraduate student research. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.