Support

Overview:

NCMIR operates as a National technology integration and dissemination resource for the brain/neuroscience research community. We provide technical help to obtain and manage large scale data, broadening access to and the integrative use of advanced high throughput multiscale imaging tools and leading-edge analysis strategies.

The Center is focused on the advancement two of the primary goals set out by the BRAIN Initiative: 1) discovering diversity in brain cell populations and 2) delivering detailed ultrastructural maps that span multiple scales.

The types of research projects we support, include: 1) investigations requiring the traversal of spatiotemporal scales to reveal new insight and understanding of specific neural populations; 2) investigations which aim to mark and track neuronal processes and/or visualize targeted connectomes of local circuits within large volumes of nervous tissue in multiple animal models; 3) projects which seek to perform nano-histological assessment of cellular and subcellular level alterations associated with learning, physiological state, or disease; and 4) projects performing higher resolution 3D morphometric analysis of subcellular underpinnings of function, with particular emphasis on synaptic function as influenced by subcellular constituents (e.g., vesicles, spine apparatus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, actin, extracellular matrix components, etc.).

NCMIR provides access, expertise, training and facilitated use of the following technologies and resources:

• Advanced probes for correlated multiscale, multimodality microscopy and methods for preparing specimens from brains. Validated technologies, expertise, and training are provided for: 1) applying cutting edge genetic and chemical probes to delineate target constituents, disambiguate macromolecular interactions, and facilitate correlated light microscopy (LM), x-ray microscopy (XRM), and EM imaging of brain tissue; and 2) optimizing sample fidelity, achieving best preservation (using chemical or cryogenic approaches), with labeling, staining, embedding and ultra-microtomy methods.
• Specialized imaging instrumentation and techniques for high throughput multiscale, multimodality data acquisition. Validated technologies, expertise, and training are provided for performing a myriad of advanced imaging techniques spanning LM, XRM, and EM methods, with an emphasis on 3DEM techniques employing serial blockface scanning EM (SBEM) and intermediate/high voltage TEM/STEM based EM tomography (EMT). Specialized technologies for correlative imaging are also provided, including validated technologies, tools, and methods for orienting samples, and tracking, aligning and registering features of interest within these samples as they are imaged across platforms (and interrogated over large changes in magnification and scales from intact brain to subcellular anatomy).
• Scalable tools and infrastructure for deriving new insight and understanding from multiscale, multimodality data sets. Validated technologies, expertise, and training are provided for performing high throughput volume reconstruction, deep learning-based volume segmentation, quantitative 3D morphometric data analysis, immersive visualization, and data sharing and dissemination.

A detailed listing of resource technologies is provided here.

Instructions for New Users:

Researchers wishing to apply for access/support must submit a NCMIR user application. Within this online form please describe your respective scientific plans, how these plans relate to your current peer-reviewed funding, and how you anticipate benefitting from the use of advanced Resource capabilities. These applications are reviewed monthly by our Scientific Advisory Board.