Project Grant S10OD028612

The University of Michigan was awarded a $1.8 million project grant from the National Institutes of Health Office of the Director under the Research Infrastructure Programs federal grant program to purchase a Leica SP8 confocal microscope. The microscope will support over 30 investigators at the University engaged in diabetes, vision, and retinal research by replacing two aging microscopes in the university's shared imaging facility. The new microscope will provide high-speed resonant scanning for improved imaging of large tissue structures, a broad spectrum of excitation and emission capabilities for specific signal detection, time gating to reduce background autofluorescence, and capabilities for live cell imaging including quantitative assays. It will integrate into the university's established infrastructure to provide service, training, and long-term support for major NIH-funded investigators addressing issues like central control of feeding behavior and retinal function, as well as cell biological problems involving ion channels and cell division, among other areas.