Core Facilities
We are establishing core facilities that provide researchers with unique, state-of-the-art equipment. These cores are dynamic: we plan for them to evolve as new tools and techniques are developed into equipment for general use. They are also places to explore new technologies and invent new devices.
Optical Imaging
CBS is developing an optical imaging facility that will both house advanced devices for widespread use by neuroscientists and develop the next generation of optical techniques. The optical imaging is intended to be an extension of individual labs, housed in shared space. By pooling equipment, highly skilled technical management of the tools will be available, allowing for routine technological upgrades, quicker troubleshooting, and expert advice. In addition, the joint space will lead to camaraderie amongst users, and will allow new technical advances in one lab to spread rapidly to other labs. This core facility will also free up space in individual labs that can be used in other ways. Finally, the shared equipment lowers barriers to adoption of the latest technology.
When complete, this core facility will provide:
- Laser scanning microscopes with motorized stages for high throughput reconstructions of the nervous system
- High-end image processing workstations for data analysis and reconstruction
- A histology suite for brain sectioning and tissue preparation
- Stereo fluorescence macroscopes
- The newest tools for high-resolution optical microscopy
- Ultra-fast optical scanning microscopes
3D-EM
CBS is doing research that will lead to a three-dimensional electron microscopy facility, to image neural circuits with the highest possible resolution. Traditional methods of serial reconstruction of the brain, in which hundreds of electron micrographs from adjacent slices of a tissue are used to reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of an object, are burdensome. The central objective of the 3D electron microscopy facility is to overcome the technical barriers to serial electron microscopy so that this technique can become as routine as confocal microscopy. We are investigating several approaches to constructing a high-throughput device for generating thousands of serial electron micrographs. With such a tool in hand, investigation of any brain region would be able to include a three-dimensional analysis of the synaptic circuits at full resolution. We believe such a tool will be invaluable for a wide range of neuroscience (and other) questions.
The Neuroimaging Facility will:
- Provide accessible functional and anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scientists studying human behavior and cognition, brain development and aging, and individual differences.
- Pioneer innovative ways of imaging the human brain and be first adopters of new neuroimaging technology, tools and applications.
- Develop and make available the data processing and visualization tools demanded by advancing neuroimaging technologies.
- Promote learning and provide an environment to train the next generation of neuroscientists.
The neuroimaging facility will be housed in the Northwest Building in Cambridge. We expect to begin with 3-Tesla MRI systems, for general functional MRI studies, high throughput studies of individual differences, and high-resolution exploration of brain anatomy and function. Multiple behavioral testing rooms and a child waiting room will be adjacent to the MRI systems. We anticipate eventual expansion to ultra-high field MRI systems and multimodal imaging techniques, with the aim of continually improving spatial and temporal resolution.
To explore techniques that go beyond the capabilities of MRI, CBS will begin by integrating the MRI core with exploratory research already being undertaken by Harvard physicists. These efforts will be housed together in the Northwest Building. Exploration of low-field MRI based on hyperpolarized spins is a promising approach being explored by physicists at Harvard University. Two additional approaches show extraordinary promise for providing a signal breakthrough for human imaging: novel MRI-based contrast mechanisms and optical imaging of the human brain. As technologies are developed, we will provide stable forms broadly to the Harvard community.Neuroengineering
Technological advances hold a key to greater understanding of the structure and function of complex neural circuits. Not all labs can afford to invest in these technologies, and not all investigators have the skills to know how to adapt and use these new tools. CBS is creating a neuroengineering core facility to provide customized engineering solutions to neuroscience problems faced by our members. Assistance with experimental design, electronics, machining, and software development, are all services provided.
Mouse Genome Modification
CBS is committed to providing access to the most widely used strains of genetically modified mice to our community, by maintaining local breeding colonies. We are also collaborating with the Molecular and Cellular Biology department to provide technical assistance with creating new types of genetically modified laboratory mice.