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Nikon Instruments, Inc. today announced a partnership with the Marian Koshland Science Museum and the National Academy of Sciences to place a Coolscope Microscope in the museum's first-ever "Microbe Lab." In the "Microbe Lab," visitors have the unique opportunity to use a state-of-the-art piece of scientific equipment that has not previously been available outside of a laboratory setting. The "Microbe Lab" is a new enhancement to the Infectious Disease: Evolving Challenges to Human Health exhibit at the museum, where visitors can use the microscope to take a first-hand look at harmful and helpful bacteria.

"Through our partnership with the Marian Koshland Science Museum, we are able to provide visitors with an experience that will spark scientific curiosity and learning. As a global leader in providing complete, technologically advanced scientific systems, Nikon is excited about programs like this that allow visitors to not only view the scientific world close-up but also interact with scientific equipment," said Eric Flem, communications manager, Nikon Instruments, Inc. "The Coolscope will provide visitors an unprecedented level of sophistication to view the microscopic world."

"We appreciate Nikon providing us with the Coolscope, without which the Microbe Lab would not be possible," said Patrice Legro, museum director. "With the Coolscope, visitors can easily control the microscope with clicks of a mouse, zooming in and out of different areas of the specimen while the aperture and brightness automatically adjust."

The Marian Koshland Science Museum will be hosting a family free day where the "Microbe Lab" will be open to the general public on Saturday, January 19. There will be free admission and hands on activities from noon to 6:00 p.m. The day will include learning about ways to control the spread of infectious diseases by participating in a simulation that shows how quickly a disease can spread as well as hands-on activities with the Coolscope.

The Nikon Coolscope is a standalone digital microscope system that requires only a computer mouse and a monitor/projector to begin exploring specimen slides.

The Infectious Disease exhibit features interactive displays providing a rarely seen view of the microbial world. The exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health.

About Marian Koshland Science Museum

The Marian Koshland Science Museum is part of the National Academy of Sciences, a private, nonprofit organization.

The mission of the Marian Koshland Science Museum is to engage the general public in current scientific issues that impact their lives. The museum's state-of-the-art exhibits, public programs, and educational programs provide information that stimulates discussion and provides insight into how science supports decision-making. Located at 6th and E streets, N.W., the museum is easily accessible by metro at the Gallery Place/Chinatown and Judiciary Square stops. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays. For more information, visit http://www.koshland-science.org/.