Otago Centre for Confocal Microscopy
It's no longer just about confocal and light microscopy, but that's typical of a changing research environment. We also provide an X-Ray µCT, generally used for hard materials and larger samples like teeth, bones, food and many other diverse items.
Image analysis is also something done here. It's all very well obtaining a pretty picture, but is it worth knowing? ImageJ is the open source weapon of choice for image analysis. 3D image reconstruction is another topic often utilised here, so if you have any questions about that too just ask away.
This site is new, so expect things to be added over the next few weeks, inevitably there are holes here and there. But already a few useful items have been included like the 'how to' section and descriptions of how the equipment works. You don't have to become a service engineer to use them, but you should know some of the background principles on how the instruments you use operate.
Image analysis is also something done here. It's all very well obtaining a pretty picture, but is it worth knowing? ImageJ is the open source weapon of choice for image analysis. 3D image reconstruction is another topic often utilised here, so if you have any questions about that too just ask away.
This site is new, so expect things to be added over the next few weeks, inevitably there are holes here and there. But already a few useful items have been included like the 'how to' section and descriptions of how the equipment works. You don't have to become a service engineer to use them, but you should know some of the background principles on how the instruments you use operate.
Confocal: How it Works
For most biological samples, a fluorescent marker(s) is required to use the confocal microscope.
Generally, if you've successfully stained your samples and viewed the results under an ordinary epi-fluorescence microscope, your samples will be suitable for the confocal. In other words, you've already done 90% of what's required.
Generally, if you've successfully stained your samples and viewed the results under an ordinary epi-fluorescence microscope, your samples will be suitable for the confocal. In other words, you've already done 90% of what's required.
Light Microscopy
We have a number of research grade light microscopes available for use. Most also have epi-fluorescence as well as bright field capabilities.
Other, more specialised microscopes, can obtain montages of large specimens or help you with stereology investigations.
Other, more specialised microscopes, can obtain montages of large specimens or help you with stereology investigations.
ImageJ and Analysis
Open source software. like ImageJ, can provide an excellent platform to base image analysis upon. There's a lot more to simply obtaining a 'pretty picture' with any of the equipment listed here.
You should be able to at least make semi-quantitative assessments of the data you have collected. This is where image analysis come in.
You should be able to at least make semi-quantitative assessments of the data you have collected. This is where image analysis come in.
µCT: Sample Suitability
The µCT uses Computerised Axial Tomography (CAT) to produce a series of digital slices of solid objects. Best suited to relatively dense material like teeth and bone, the µCT can resolve details down to about 1µm.
If you're looking for electron microscopy techniques, go here: OCEM
Contact Details
Andrew McNaughton
03 479 7308
andrew.mcnaughton@otago.ac.nz
Room B01g Basement
Department of Anatomy
Lindo Ferguson Building
270 Great King Street
(Opposite main entrance to Public Hospital, Great King Street)
03 479 7308
andrew.mcnaughton@otago.ac.nz
Room B01g Basement
Department of Anatomy
Lindo Ferguson Building
270 Great King Street
(Opposite main entrance to Public Hospital, Great King Street)
PO Box 913
Dunedin 9001
New Zealand
Dunedin 9001
New Zealand