The University of North Florida Materials Science and Engineering Research Facility (MSERF) has partnered with TESCAN, a leading manufacturer of electron and light microscopes, in the installation of one of its new Q-Phase microscopes, a unique instrument for quantitative phase imaging based on holographic microscopy.
The Q-Phase microscope is a one-of-a-kind holographic microscope capable of imaging live cells for up to five days. Traditional light microscopy of cells requires staining and chemical treatments that capture the state of the cell in time but kills the cell in the process. This new technology allows cells to be imaged while living over the course of days.
“The partnership with TESCAN affords the University the ability to gather cutting-edge data from the latest high-tech equipment” said Dr. Paul Eason, UNF-MSERF director and associate professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction.
The agreement between the University and TESCAN provides UNF the opportunity to house brand new and unique microscopes for the purpose of instrument validation and demonstration for potential users. The Q-Phase microscope, housed at MSERF in the newly renovated Skinner-Jones Hall, is on the UNF campus for a 90-day trial installation.
Researchers both at UNF and the Mayo Clinic are taking advantage of the trial installation and utilizing the high-powered device in their respective studies of treating various types of cancer.
Image Credit: AZO Nano
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