Equipment: MRI: track 1 acquisition of a jeol JEM-120I transmission electron microscope with 3D tomography for the central microscopy facility at the marine biological laboratory

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts $1,250,907 on February 1, 2026, under the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083) to acquire a JEOL JEM-120I transmission electron microscope with three-dimensional tomography capability for the MBL's Central Microscopy Facility. The instrument enables high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of cells and tissues and will support research and discovery across biology, bioengineering, and biomedicine for year-round resident scientists and visiting researchers. An electron microscopy focus group at MBL will conduct hands-on workshops to train new users in electron microscopy theory, techniques, and image analysis. The microscope will advance research in neuroscience, cell biology and development, regeneration, and ecology by harnessing unique adaptations and ultrastructural features of marine and aquatic organisms. The award also funds new educational opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers participating in MBL's courses and research training programs. As one of limited instruments of its kind in Southeast Massachusetts, the microscope will strengthen research collaborations among the six research institutions in Woods Hole and beyond. The period of performance runs from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2029, with place of performance in Woods Hole and Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Abstract

An award is made to the marine biological laboratory (MBL) in woods hole, massachusetts to enable the acquisition of a transmission electron microscope capable of high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of cells and tissues. This instrument will be housed in the MBL?s central microscopy facility and will greatly amplify the research and discovery potential for both year-round resident scientists and visiting scientists in areas spanning biology, bioengineering, and biomedicine. This instrument will also enable new educational opportunities for undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who participate in MBL?s courses and research training programs. Under this award, an electron microscopy focus group at MBL will train new users in the theory and techniques of electron microscopy and image analysis using a hands-on workshop format. As a microscope of its kind with limited availability in southeast massachusetts, this instrument will strengthen research collaborations among the six research institutions in woods hole and beyond. Since the MBL attracts visiting scientists and students from across the U.S., this award will support training in advanced imaging technologies and stimulate workforce development in massachusetts, the northeast, and nationally. Electron microscopy is a critical component of research in basic and applied science. This state-of-the-art microscope will advance research that spans disciplines including neuroscience, cell biology and development, regeneration, and ecology. Specific projects harness the unique adaptations and ultrastructural features of cells and tissues within marine and aquatic animals to understand how neurons develop, communicate, and give rise to complex behaviors; how organisms develop, regenerate, and age; and how environmental stressors impact their physiology. The advanced microscope will expand MBL?s research capabilities and facilitate science that improves artificial intelligence models, bioinspired materials, biotechnology, and human health. Education and training in advanced instrument technologies and artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis will further strengthen the biotechnology workforce in the U.S. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.