The core provides access to several different state-of-the-art microscopes as well as computers to visualize, process and quantify image data. The facility houses equipment for 2D or 3D imaging of fixed and living specimens. High resolution images can be obtained by confocal microscopy or deconvolution, and super-resolution techniques SIM, STORM, MINFLUX. Single Molecule tracking is supported on MINFLUX, and custom HILO-illumination microscopes.
Facility personnel are available for consultation about the design of imaging experiments and/or the analysis of image data. Special expertise is available for assistance with live cell imaging as well as deconvolution microscopy. Facility personnel are also experienced in the other techniques listed below and can provide expertise and software for quantitative analysis of images.
Open to all NCI intramural researchers for free. Researchers from other NIH institutes are also welcome to contact us for the fee service. We do not collaborate with extramural researchers. The Core collaborates on projects requiring extensive support of core staff such as Single Molecule Tracking, and Nano resolution projects, and supports and trains users for conventional techniques/microscopes.
New Users interested in using the core’s microscopes must first contact Dr. Karpova. Following the initial request, Dr. Karpova will meet with the user and his/her principal investigator to discuss the research project. Advice will be provided to the user regarding the advantages/limitations of the different forms of microscopy available, both in this core and elsewhere. The staff will also help the user develop an overall research strategy, design experiments, and solve specific experimental problems.
Consultation is also available regarding image analysis and interpretation and/or selection and purchase of microscopy hardware and image processing software.