with 9 state-of-the-art technological platforms
Electron microscopy
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) has been a useful tool in cell biology research since the 1950s. Today, it remains crucial for unraveling the complex structures of the nervous system. TEM helps uncover details like membrane connections between pre and postsynaptic structures, glia-neuron interactions, and the precise locations of membrane-bound antigens through immunolabeling.
Light Microscopy
The ICM.Quant platform is equipped with state-of-the-art neuroscience imaging methodologies. The platform offers expertise in photonic microscopy and has a large selection of high-end microscopy imaging methodologies.
Image Analysis
Image analysis is indispensable in scientific research, offering diverse applications for quantitative measurements in cell biology, developmental biology, and neuroscience. Recent advances in fluorescent probes and high-resolution microscopes have enhanced the reliability of biological image processing techniques, profoundly impacting biological sciences research.
Sample Preparation for TEM
Capturing images of biological specimens with an electron microscope is a complex process due to how electrons interact with matter to form images. To be viewed using TEM, the specimen must be exceptionally thin and positioned in a high vacuum. This means biological specimens can’t be imaged in their natural state and require significant processing. Therefore, sample preparation is a critical and fundamental step, representing an essential service in our facility.
Sample Clearing
Tissue clearing techniques have become a valuable tool for applications in 3D tissue microstructure analysis (e.g. neuroscience, developmental biology, connectomics). Light-sheet microscopy exploits the optical advantages of cleared specimens, allowing fast, long-term, confocal-like optical sectioning and high-quality 3D imaging of cleared specimens.