2005 |
Baur, John E |
R15Activity Code Description: Supports small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. The goals of the program are to (1) support meritorious research, (2) expose students to research, and (3) strengthen the research environment of the institution. Awards provide limited Direct Costs, plus applicable F&A costs, for periods not to exceed 36 months. This activity code uses multi-year funding authority; however, OER approval is NOT needed prior to an IC using this activity code. |
A New Technique For Chemical Imaging of Model Neurons @ Illinois State University
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal describes a new techniqu e for the combined morphological and chemical imaging of living neuronal cells using the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). The SECM, one of the family of scanning probe microscopes, is unique in its ability to image both the topography and the chemistry of an interface with mu/m to sub-mu/m resolution. In this work the techniques of amperometry and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, already well-established electrochemical techniques in the neurosciences, will be incorporated into the SECM so that chemical imaging of neurotransmitter release, oxygen concentration, and pH can take place concomitantly with topographical imaging. A new type of constant distance imaging technique based on the SECM probe impedance will be used and further developed in order to record cell morphology with sub-pm resolution. The long-term objective of this work is to take advantage of the functional imaging capabilities of this powerful new technique to study neuronal growth, synaptogenesis, and neurodegeneration. The specific aims of this proposed work are important steps toward this objective. First, the imaging ability of the SECM will be strengthened through a series of instrumental and methodological improvements. Second, methods will be developed for imaging neurotransmitter release during differentiation and growth of model neurons. Finally, the SECM probe will be used to generate reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals: so that the effect of site-specific application of oxidative stress on neuronal development can be investigated. This work will establish the SECM as a viable and powerful technique for studies of neuronal development and degeneration. As such, the SECM may become an important tool for fundamental investigations of the etiologies of neurodegenerative diseases, especially those that involve changes in neurotransmitter function (e.g. Parkinson's Disease).
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1 |
2009 — 2012 |
Bloom, Amy Edwards, Kevin (co-PI) [⬀] Baur, John Cook, Martha |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope For Research and Training in the Biology, Chemistry, Geography-Geology, and Physics Programs At Illinois State University @ Illinois State University
Illinois State University has been awarded a grant to acquire an environmental scanning electron microscope for research and training in the Biology, Chemistry, Geography-Geology, and Physics programs. The microscope provides capabilities for observation of fine details of diverse specimens and for analysis of their elemental composition. In environmental mode, living organisms can be examined with no preparation. This makes it possible to observe delicate specimens that would be altered by conventional preparation methods. Faculty and students use the scope in research projects that include documenting physiological stress in plants; identifying single-celled algae that are indicators of past environmental conditions; characterizing mutant fruit flies; using elemental analysis to assess the chemistry of coordination complexes of the element vanadium; characterizing nanospheres; documenting surface structures in plants with defective cell expansion; examining structure of bacteria-host interactions and bacterial biofilms, evaluating geochemical interactions in fossils, making nanoscale measurements of thermoelectric lattices, comparing flower structure and development, evaluating synthesis of lithium cobalt oxide; and characterizing the material composition of new electrodes being developed for an improved scanning probe microscope. The results of these diverse studies will be published in peer-reviewed journals and integrated into courses and faculty websites as appropriate. Software for remote control operation of the scope will allow students in classrooms to observe specimens remotely. The scope will be featured at various community outreach events, and it will be available to other academic researchers in central Illinois.
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0.915 |