Our Microscopy Core operates a collection of PI-owned imaging systems and is managed by the Department of Neuroscience Research Committee.
About the Microscopy Core
At UF’s McKnight Brain Institute (MBI) and the Department of Neuroscience, we understand the financial constraints that many labs face when it comes to purchasing state-of-the-art microscopes. To overcome this challenge, we have established a shared microscope resource that enables MBI faculty members to pool their resources and share their existing microscopes with the MBI community. By joining forces, we can eliminate the need for multiple labs to invest in identical microscopes, allowing us to allocate resources more efficiently.
Click below to learn about the process and review the terms of agreement.
Instrument and Project Consultations
With our commitment to improving productivity and data reproducibility, we have enlisted the expertise of Dr. Jason Coleman. Serving as scientific director for the Microscopy Core, Dr. Coleman will provide training, consultation on microscopy systems, unbiased imaging, and rigorous data analysis.
Dr. Coleman received his Ph.D. in neuroscience from UF and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has over 20 years of experience in using advanced light microscopy tools in his research to investigate the visual system and in the development and use of viral vectors for gene transfer to study the nervous system.
Resources
Below you’ll find a list of available resources. Please click the links below to access their schedules and learn how to sign up for training.
stereology
Zeiss AxioImager M2
Equipped with ApoTome.2 and with Hamamatsu C10600 (ORCA-R2) camera/acquisition of fluorescence at four distinct wavelengths. Works with StereoInvestigator/Neurolucida.
high-throughput fluorescence
Keyence BZ-X700
An all-in-one life science microscope that can easily observe, capture, and analyze images in fluorescence, brightfield, and phase contrast without the need for a darkroom.
Zeiss Lightsheet Z1
Equipped with Life Canvas SmartBatch+ Tissue Clearing and Immunolabeling System and 4 laser lines, a mesocale imaging system and 2.5x, 5x, and 12x objectives compatible with organic solvent clearing methodologies.
inverted 2-photon/Confocal/STORM
Nikon A1R MP
Laser-scanning confocal (LSCM), multiphoton (MP), and N-STORM (super-resolution) inverted microscope for fluorescent samples. Available Tokai-Hit stage top incubator with active CO2 and temperature regulation, and passive humidity, for imaging live tissue/cells.
upright 2-photon/in vivo
Scientifica HyperScope
This system is optimized for imaging approaches that allow collection of signal emitting from deep tissues from live subjects. The microscope is equipped with the InSight X3 Dual variable+fixed IR lasers, SomnoSuite low-flow anesthesia station, and custom stages for intravital imaging.
Empower collaborative research by contributing your microscope!
This not only reduces your lab's collective costs but also fuels exciting campus research advancements. Plus, you'll still have priority scheduling for your own microscopy needs.
