The aim of the core is to provide high quality imaging capability for researchers at the IMS-MRL.

To enable the localisation and monitoring of cellular and subcellular events we provide a number of microscopes within the IMS-MRL that allow fixed- and live-preparation investigations. These currently include:

• Simple epifluorescense microscopes within tissue-culture facilities
• Widefield epi-flourescence and colour brightfield inverted microscopes
• Fully incubated laser scanning confocal microscopes (Zeiss 510 Meta and Leica SP8)
• Zeiss Axioscan Z1 slide scanning microscope (Brightfield and Fluorescent)

In addition, higher resolution [super-resolution structured illumination (SSIM) and localisation microscopy (e.g. PALM and STORM)] and specialist techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF) are available through affiliation with the Core Microscope Facilities at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR).

For off-line analysis we provide additional workstations with specialist software (e.g. Halo, Imaris and Volocity) at the IMS-MRL.

For all enquiries regarding use of and initial training on IMS-MRL microscopes or to arrange bookings of the CIMR microscopes, please contact Gregory Strachan (gs398@medschl.cam.ac.uk).