Alabama State University News August 26, 2010 ASU to Receive More Than $100k for New Research Equipment By Timothy C. Ervin A grant from the National Science Foundation will allow ASU's Department of Biological Sciences to acquire a powerful piece of research equipment known as the Roche/454 genome sequencer. Alabama State University's Center for NanoBiotechnology Research (CNBR) is set to receive $107,200 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the acquisition of a Roche/454 genome sequencer, U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright (D-AL) announced this week. The genome sequencer will be used for classroom instruction and research projects for students and faculty at ASU and surrounding universities. The Roche/454 genome sequencer is essential for conducting next generation sequencing technology research at ASU. Through the sequencer, students and faculty will be able to conduct research in physical chemistry, nanotechnology, microbial ecology and other scientific areas. In addition, the acquisition of a genome sequencer will allow students and faculty to conduct and publish original research while increasing the output of ASU's team of researchers. "This is great news for the students and faculty at Alabama State," Bright said. "This funding will strengthen Alabama State's ability to conduct groundbreaking research in the fields of genetics and microbiology, while encouraging more students to pursue careers in science and technology. This grant will further solidify ASU as one of the state's foremost research institutions and a valued part of the Montgomery community." The CNBR also acquired a host of new equipment this summer purchased with funds received from NSF and Department of Commerce grants. "These new instruments allow ASU's CNBR faculty, staff, and students and collaborators to engage in cutting-edge scientific research and advance in the field of nanobiotechnology and related scientific areas," said Dr. Shree R. Singh, chair of ASU's Biological Sciences Department. The new equipment includes: C1si True Spectral Imaging Confocal Microscope (Nikon Eclipse Ti): This microscope is used to obtain extremely high quality images from specimens prepared for conventional optical microscopy and can be used in a great number of current research applications. Phase Contrast Microscope-Upright Eclipse 90i (Nikon): This microscope allows for the viewing of live cells and other cellular components. TI-U Phase Fluorescence Microscope (Nikon): This microscope allows for the viewing of fluorescent specimens. It increases resolution and contrast because multi-colored images can be viewed. BD FACS Canto II Flow Cytometry System: This system is used to analyze macrophage cells. DNA Analyzer (ABI 3730): This system is used for high throughput genetic analysis. Microarray Analyzer (Molecular Devices GenePix 4000B): This machine is used to analyze data of various arrays from DNA, protein, tissue and cells. Q Count Colony Counter (Spiral Biotech): The system allows bacterial strains to be identified and colorized for counting. VersaDoc system (Bio-Rad): This system is designed to capture and analyze digital images from a wide range of scientific samples such as microplates, gels, and blots. ChemiDoc system (Bio-Rad): This system is able to support and provide images relating to fluorescence, chemiluminescence, chemifluorescence and colorimetry from a wide range of scientific samples. Experion Automated Electrophoresis Stations (Bio-Rad): This system is used for the analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. King Fisher Flex (Thermo Scientific): This system implies the use of magnetic particles to purify cells from various sources, process DNA, RNA or other proteins. Bio-Plex 200 (Bio-Rad): This system permits up to 100 different biomolecules to be simultaneously analyzed and allows for information to be obtained from rare or low volume samples. CAD Virtual Simulation System: This system is used to simulate biological system functions and microbial outbreaks. NanoDrop 2000C: This micro-volume spectrophotometer allows for the analysis of very small samples without the need for cuvettes or capillaries. Microbeta JET (Perkin Elmer): This is a multi-detector instrument designed for liquid scintillation or luminescence detection of samples in microplates, tubes or on filters. Zetasizer: This machine is used for accurate, reliable and repeatable size analysis including protein melting point determination. It offers precise particle characterization. For more information, visit the ASU Center for NanoBiotechnology Research (CNBR) website<http://www.alasu.edu/academics/research--centers/crest/index.aspx>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.