NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma officially unveiled a new microscope that enables advanced research capabilities during a grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 5.
“This Tundra cryo-transmission electron microscope is the first of its kind here at OU and in the state of Oklahoma. And, since it is a relatively new instrument, there are only a handful in the nation,” said Ann West, director of the Oklahoma Center for Biomedical Research Excellence in Structural Biology. “This microscope will allow researchers to complete single particle analysis for macro-molecular structure determinations.”
A cryo-TEM allows scientists to examine extremely small things, like proteins or viruses, in their natural state. The instrument passes an electron beam through a thin, frozen sample and captures detailed 2D images. Multiple 2D images can then be combined to produce 3D reconstructions that reveal atomic-level details.
“It’s very exciting that this instrument will be part of the core user facility of the Sam Roberts Noble Microscopy Lab. This technology will support many current and future students,” said SRNML Director Andrew Elwood Madden.
This facility was made possible through collaborative support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships, the SRNML and COBRE.
Others present at the ceremony who will be involved in the use of the Tundra cryo-TEM include COBRE Biomolecular Structure Core Director Len Thomas, SRNML Research Scientist Julian Sabisch and SRNML Research Associate Preston Larson.
Learn more about COBRE, the SRNML and the Tundra cryo-TEM.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
The University of Oklahoma Honors College hosted its 38th annual Undergraduate Research Day on April 16 in the Thurman J. White Forum Building. Over 300 people attended, and 175 students presented their posters and projects to visitors, faculty members, judges and peers.
The Collaborative Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership offers emerging leaders across Oklahoma’s PK–12 public education system a doctoral experience designed to be as relevant as it is rigorous.
A study published today in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways that contribute to cardiometabolic disease, which includes heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The research, led by Dharambir Sanghera, Ph.D., of the University of Oklahoma, represents a step toward targeting the diseases more precisely.
