Neuroimaging and Biomedical Research Support

Overview of Services

COBRE Integrative Neuroscience

The following cores (CMA, CMI, VA and NeuroImaging Core) are supported by the COBRE Integrative Neuroscience (Dr. Mike Webster, PI). Any work done on core instruments and its services must acknowledge the Integrative Neuroscience COBRE P30 GM145646 grant support. A sample statement would be: "Research reported in this [publication, release] was supported by National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P30 GM145646.”

Computational Modeling and Analysis (CMA)

The COBRE Computational Modeling and Analysis (CMA) Core facility at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), a cross-disciplinary collaboration between the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the College of Engineering (CoEN) and the Department of Psychology at the College of Science (COS), provides access to state-of-the-art high-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing (CP), Networking, and advanced analytical software, while providing services to aid investigators in neuroscience and biomedical research to develop more effective data analytics pipelines. Major equipment (cloud and high-performance computing), training, and technical assistance are available on a fee-for-service recharge basis to recover costs for major equipment upkeep and technical help. Smaller equipment is free-of-charge. 

Cellular and Molecular Imaging (CMI)

The COBRE Cellular and Molecular Imaging (CMI) Core at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) housed in the Biology Department provides users with instruments and services for analyzing and quantification of biomolecules, and microscopic investigation of cells, tissues, organs, and small animals with imaging capabilities for brightfield and fluorescent microscopy. The cellular imaging unit of the core maintains several instruments including a Leica SP8 confocal with LIGHTNING capabilities, a Scientifica two-photon microscope, a Leica THUNDER 3D-tissue and Model organism with computational-clearing capabilities. The molecular imaging unit of the core maintains multiple instruments for imaging, analyzing and quantifying DNA, RNA and protein such as a Typhoon Phosphoimager, automated PCR-pipetting robot and Real-Time PCR machines. The tissue culture core unit maintains a state-of the-art space and storage for the culture of insect and mammalian cells with instruments including a WOLF Microfluidic Cell Sorter, Cell Counter and microscope systems. Major equipment (microscopes, cell sorter), training and technical assistance are available on a fee-for-service recharge basis to recover costs for major equipment upkeep and service contracts, technical help and assisted use for imaging specimens by core staff. Smaller equipment is free-of-charge. For onboarding, training and assisted use, please contact Core Specialist, Andrew Yanez at ayanez@unr.edu. For general core information and support letters, please contact Core Director, Dr. Alexander van der Linden at avanderlinden@unr.edu. 

Equipment and Technology:
- Scientifica Hyperscope two-photon microscope
- Leica SP8 LIGHTNING confocal microscope
- Leica THUNDER 3D-Tissue microscope
- Leica THUNDER Model Organism microscope
- WOLF G2 Microfluidic Cell Sorter
- EVOS M5000 imaging system
- CellDrop cell counter
- Typhoon FLA-7000 Phosphoimager
- Chemidoc Imager and Turboblotters
- Mediaclave with Dose-It Pump and AirClean flow workstation
- CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR
- QIAgility automated PCR set-up robot
- GeneSys 180 UV/VIS spectrophotometer
- Quibit 4 Fluorometer
- Nanophotometer N50

Virtual & Augmented Reality (VA)

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Neuroimaging

The COBRE Neuroimaging Core at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) provides users with resources to measure neural activity in human subjects. Direct neuronal activity measurement is provided by our two high-density, high-frequency electroencephalography (EEG) systems, while measument of higher spatial acuity is provided by our magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) systems. Additional equipment is available for experimental or diagnostic measurement of: retinal activity (two ERG systems, including multifocal and visual evoked potentials); behavioral visual function including color blindness, visual acuity, contrast perception; and imaging of retinal structures (AOSLO).

Equipment and Technology:
- Siemens Skyra 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner
- Biosemi ActiveTwo 128 channel electroencephalography
- EGI 256 channel geodesic electroencephalography
- TechEn CW6 20 channel near-infrared spectroscopy
- Adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope, 3 channel
- Cambridge Research Systems Metropsis visual assessment suite
- Diagnosys human electrophysiology cart for electroretinography and visual-evoked potential measurement
- LKC Technologies RETeval handheld electroretinography
- Devices for measurement of spectroradiometry, spectrophotometry, colorimetry

Other Cores and Services

Cell Metabolism Core

The Cell Metabolism Core allows users to measure mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption and glycolysis in live cells, whole organisms and tissues on a 24 well format or on a 8 well format. There are two instruments available, the XF24 and the XFp Analyzers. The instruments are capable of analyzing up to 6 conditions at four replicates each. The analyzers is located in Manville Health Sciences Room 16 (Sample Prep Room) The Cell Metabolism Core has been opened on February of 2017, and it is housed within the Department of Pharmacology under the leadership of Dr. Ruben Dagda. The Seahorse XF24 and XFp analyzer were provided by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number GM103554.

Olympus Confocal 

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The iLab license was provided by the NV INBRE Administrative Supplement, a grant from the NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences (GM103440-14A1S1).

Location and hours of operation 

Links and Resources

• http://med.unr.edu/cobre/cores
• https://www.unr.edu/neuroscience/research/center/core-facilities/cellular-and-molecular-imaging-core
• https://www.unr.edu/neuroscience/research/center/core-facilities/neuroimaging-core

Contacts