Nouvelles

The Society for Neuroscience recently held its 42nd annual Neuroscience convention in New Orleans, where 25,000 attendees experienced the latest in neuroscience research and innovation through a series of lectures, symposia, workshops, and events. Nikon Instruments contributed to the spirit of innovation by introducing two new Perfect Focus System models – the TI-ND6-PFS-S Perfect Focus Unit with Motorized Nosepiece and the TI-ND6-PFS-S Perfect Focus Unit with Motorized Nosepiece for Multi-Photon. These two new Perfect Focus models further address the constant challenge of small focus drift, and are a critical addition to support high-end life science experiments.

As an overview, both PFS systems feature increased offset ranges, allowing for the maintenance of focus at deeper depths in the imaging specimen than previously allowed. This new capability enables drift-free time-lapse imaging of thicker specimen, which is an important feature as more researchers begin to image cells in their natural environment such as whole embryos or tissues.

The new PFS units also sport a slimmer, streamlined design allowing for easier access to the objective lens correction collars. As part of this new design, the PFS is now completely operated through a remote controller or the PC, minimizing the need to open and close the environmental chamber surrounding the microscope which could lead to unnecessary fluctuations in the imaging temperature. The multiphoton model also offers enhanced compatibility with a larger range of imaging wavelengths, increasing the flexibility of fluorophores that can be used for multiphoton imaging and other near-infrared applications such as optical trapping/tweezers. Both units also feature enhanced compatibility with plastic dishes, allowing researchers to reduce running costs and simplify their workflow. Both systems will be available in December 2012.

Whether used for studying the microstructure of cell interiors with systems like the N-STORM Super Resolution microscope, analyzing the activity in deep layers of brain as you can with multiphoton microscopy, or time-lapse imaging of iPS cell differentiation patterns, Perfect Focus has become a necessity to ensure success in experiments – and the latest from Nikon Instruments is certainly no exception.