A new confocal microscope to enhance biological research capabilities
Official title: A Modern Confocal Microscope to Maintain and Expand the Continuity of Basic Biology Research
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11102193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is about getting a new, high-tech microscope to help scientists at UC Santa Cruz do better research on important health issues like cancer and brain disorders, which could lead to new treatments that help patients in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $884,837 |
| NIH project number | 1S10OD036314-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by conditions that are being studied using advanced imaging techniques, such as cancers and neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by the conditions being researched or those who do not require advanced imaging for their diagnosis may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to acquire a state-of-the-art laser scanning confocal microscope to support a collaborative group of investigators at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The new microscope will replace an outdated model, providing advanced imaging capabilities that are crucial for studying various biological processes. By introducing features like a White Light Laser and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), this equipment will enable researchers to conduct more precise and flexible experiments, ultimately benefiting a wide range of biomedical research areas. Patients may indirectly benefit from improved research outcomes in diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in understanding and treating various diseases through enhanced imaging techniques.
How similar studies have gone: Other research initiatives utilizing advanced confocal microscopy have shown success in enhancing biological understanding and treatment approaches, indicating that this method is well-established and effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abrams, Benjamin — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Abrams, Benjamin
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.