Fitzpatrick Lab There is more to dendrites than meets the eye: cluster synaptic inputs and orientation selectivity
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Light Microscopy
Our Light Microscopy Core offers a range of high-resolution fluorescence microscopes, specialized towards imaging cells, tissues, and even whole organisms (both lived and fixed) together with the necessary expertise and support to help you visualize what you need to see.
In the Light Microscopy Core (LMC) you have access to a range of imaging modalities specialized in imaging fluorescently labeled cells, tissue (slices) and organisms. From fast widefield imaging over high-quality 3D confocal and Airyscan microscopy to super-resolution STED nanoscopy, we can provide you with the instrument best suited for your specific imaging needs. From start to finish we offer close collaboration with investigators, assisting in experimental design, hands-on training, image optimization, data interpretation and analysis, and even the development of novel imaging technologies. Remote workstations for image and data analysis are available to process your images using a variety of software packages. The LMC is open to both on-campus and external users, and actively supports MPFI’s education outreach programs by teaching and training high school and undergraduate interns in light microscopy imaging techniques and data analysis.
Our Services
We offer multimodal microscopes that combine high-resolution point-scanning confocal microscopy, fast and simple brightfield and fluorescence widefield imaging, as well as super-resolution nanoscopy for:
- High-resolution volumetric imaging of sub-micrometer structures from dendritic spines to protein clusters
- 3D imaging of entire tissue sections, slices and small organisms
- Fast tile-scanning of entire microscope slides using (a combination of) either widefield, confocal or Airyscan multiplex imaging
- Sub-diffraction 3D imaging of nanoscopic structures (30nm—100nm) with isotropic spatial resolution using STED
- Advanced Airyscan detection for simultaneous enhancement of sensitivity & signal-to-noise, reduced excitation intensities, and sub-confocal spatial resolution
- Simultaneous multicolor imaging for 2—5 color channels (more possible)
- 34-channel multi-spectral detection for spectral unmixing of (many) spectrally-close fluophores
- Ultra-fast imaging for reduced photo-damage and bleaching (using resonant scanning or Airyscan multiplexing)
- Multi-point time-lapse imaging
- Full-microscope or sample enclosure for environmentally-controlled live-cell imaging
- Various techniques for studying molecular dynamics and interactions, such as FRET, Anisotropy, FRAP, FLIP and FCS
- Advice on sample preparation, fluophore choice, image optimization, and microscope handling
- Remote computational workstations for image processing using various software packages, such as ZEN, ImSpector, Imaris, FIJI, and more.
Equipment
Contact:
Dr. Nicolai T. Urban
Head of Light Microscopy Core
nicolai.urban@mpfi.org
