Noticias

New Nikon Centre of Excellence in Super Resolution Microscopy at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic

ene 16, 2014

On Tuesday, 21st of January, 2014 Nikon Instruments and the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Science, opened the new Nikon Centre of Excellence in Super Resolution Microscopy. Super Resolution is a revolutionary microscopic method enabling the observation of much smaller details than previously possible especially in cell biology.

The Centre is part of the European Network of Nikon Centres of Excellence resulting in seven centres in total (IMG Prague, ICFO Barcelona, Koki Budapest, UvA Amsterdam, Karolinska Stockholm, Marseille France, Milan Italy).

A Nikon Centre of Excellence (NCE) is a partnership and knowledge exchange with an Institute that focuses on a specific area of research or microscope technique. The partnership allows the researchers access to high-end advanced imaging equipment and Nikon's technical expertise, and gives Nikon invaluable feedback and input from scientists carrying out cutting edge research, gaining insight into new applications to be able to create the perfect imaging solution.

The Centre at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Republic, has been equipped with the following Nikon Biological High End Systems:

•N-SIM combined with the TiE inverted research microscope. Nikon’s N-SIM super resolution microscopy system uses structured illumination techniques to produce images with twice the resolution of conventional optical microscopes. With 2D, 3D and TIRF imaging modes, the Nikon N-SIM allows sub-cellular structures to be clearly imaged at speeds of over 1 frame per second.

•Research Microscope Nikon AZ100 combined with the Nikon C2+ confocal system: a unique system, enabling the confocal imaging of the large objects in one field of view and with one snapshot.

•Research inverted Nikon Ti-E microscope equipped with a unique Perfect Focus System enabling time lapse experiments, combined with the Nikon C2+ confocal system. The Ti-E is the market leading motorised inverted research microscope, designed as a flexible and stable platform for all high end and live cell imaging applications. Designed around Nikon’s unique CFI60 optical system, the Ti-E features world-class optical performance and an expandable infinity space, allowing many techniques to be combined on a single microscope including all types of confocal systems.

•The award winning Perfect Focus System (PFS) is an established technology in its 3rd iteration, exclusive to the Nikon Ti-E. Designed to continually maintain focus by eliminating mechanical, temperature and experimentally derived drift, it enables the capture of time-lapse experiments for 24 hours and beyond.

•Research upright microscope Nikon Ni-E, combined with the NikonC2+ confocal system.

The systems are all equipped with the latest in software innovation that will contribute to the breakthrough of the next generation of microscopic biological research.

The Centre will enable:

•Access to the cutting-edge microscopic technologies and equipment, especially Super Resolution.

•Training in advanced light microscopy for scientists and PhD students.

The Nikon Centre of Excellence was opened by Prof. Hořejší, Director at the Institute of Molecular Genetics, who announced: “The purpose of the centre is to combine the technical expertise of the world leading imaging manufacturer and the scientific expertise of the researchers at the Institute of Molecular Genetics. I believe that we will together contribute to the new developments in biomedical sciences”.

Mr Sumio Eimori, president of Nikon Europe, in his speech, highlighted that Nikon will soon celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company and not only Nikon’s past, but also its future focus and strategy is very important for Nikon. Enabling the use of High End microscopy systems in the advanced laboratories, as it is in the Institute of Molecular Genetics, enables Nikon to show all their capabilities and helps contribute to the next generation of product development and scientific breakthrough.