Zeiss Axioplan 2. The Axioplan 2 imaging is a universal, inverted microscope which is used for light (transmitted and incident) and fluorescence microscopy. The microscope is controlled by Improvision Openlab software (operating a cooled ccd black/white Hamamatsu camera) and allows collection of time-lapse images in both DIC and fluorescent channels (DAPI, FITC, TRITC). An objective heater ensures tissue culture cell integrity during time-lapse experiments. Additional Openlab licenses allow of site image analysis and quantitation. In addition, the microscope is equipped with a digital color camera (SPOT, Insight) enabling collection of stained, histology tissue sections.

Transmission Electron Microscope CM10. This is a transmission electron microscope providing high contrast, routine observations of sections, negatively stained or shadowed specimens, etc. The microscope is simple to operate and generates high quality, high resolution images at conventional voltages (60 to 100 Kv).

Leica SP2 and SP5. We have two state-of-the-art scanning confocal systems: the Leica SP2 and newer SP5. These systems are ideal for 3D imaging of UV and visible florophores in fixed or live samples. These systems can combine transmitted light techniques with confocal imaging for a highly flexible platform. The software on these two systems allows for time lapse, Z Stacks and 3D reconstruction.