Anna Grazul-Bilska, professor of animal science, and Jane Schuh, assistant professor of veterinary and microbiological sciences, have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation Program, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to purchase a Zeiss PALM Laser Microdissection Pressure Catapulting System for use at NDSU.

The system is for practical and immediate use across a variety of disciplines. A precise area of interest from archival, frozen or live cell samples can be dissected away from its surrounding tissue and catapulted into a tube for downstream applications such as DNA, RNA or protein analysis with minimal damage to the extracted cells or those that are left behind. The system also will be equipped with high quality optics and cameras to generate bright field or fluorescence photomicrographs with capabilities of structured illumination that allow extremely detailed imaging. Demonstrations and training sessions are planned for both didactic courses and research applications to provide hands-on experience with this cutting edge equipment.

When asked about the notification of the award on Dec. 23, Schuh said only a scientist would ask Santa for a microscope that can dissect a cell with a laser beam. "If that’s not a reason to be on the 'nice' list, I don’t know what is. On a serious note, the acquisition of the microscope is a huge step forward for research on our campus. It is not only great for our researchers, it’s great for the students that we mentor. This equipment is cutting edge. What an impressive skill to take with you from your training at NDSU.”

The system will be housed in the new Microscopy Laboratory in Hultz Hall, room 203. For more information or to discuss training, contact Grazul-Bilska at anna.grazul-bilska@ndsu.edu or 1-7992 or Schuh at jane.schuh@ndsu.edu or 1-7841.