Research tools
The School supports a wide range of equipment for research.
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About
Research in the School is supported by shared, core instruments with a wide range of capabilities. These instruments facilitate histology, microscopy and imaging, gene analysis, plant analysis, sample preparation and sample quantification/analysis, and are supported by a range of technical, professional and IT staff.
Enquiries
- Farid Rahimi, Divisional Senior Technical Officer - BSB
- Niccy Aitken, Divisional Senior Technical Officer - E&E
- Stephanie McCaffery, Divisional Senior Technical Officer - PS
Genomic analysis
The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) is a shared-user lab containing instrumentation for the preparation of sample libraries for genome sequencing. Available equipment enables high levels of multiplexing, QC of native and library DNA/RNA using microfluidic chip and capillary instruments, DNA fractionation, real-time PCR, high-throughput sample processing using robotic liquid handling, and long read (ONT) sequencing. The EBL also houses a Trace DNA lab for handling highly degraded and low concentration samples, such as ancient or museum specimens.
» Related Facilities: The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) (ANU-CSIRO);
ACRF Biomolecular Resource Facility (BRF) and Genome Discovery Unit (GDU) (ACFR-JCSMR).
Histology
The histology facility houses a range of microtomes and instruments for tissue perfusion, embedding and staining.
» Related Facilities: The ANU Centre for Advanced Microscopy.
Imaging and microscopy
The school owns various types of microscopes, including confocal, compound fluorescence, fluorescence dissecting, and inverted microscopes. These facilities complement the more advanced microscopy tools managed by the ANU Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CAM).
» Related Facilities: The ANU Centre for Advanced Microscopy.
Plant analysis
Besides plant services, the School operates numerous instruments used in plant research and analysis, including leaf chamber fluorometers by Li-Cor® Biosciences, pressure chambers, leaf porometers, and portable gas exchange fluorescence systems (by WALZ).
» Related Facilities: RSB Plant Services (RSB), Controlled Environment Facility (RSB), High Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre (RSB & CSIRO).
Sample preparation, analysis, and quantification
Numerous School-managed instruments are used for sample preparation and analysis. These include freeze-dryers of various capacities, homogenisers, sonicators, ImageQuant, Versadoc, Pharos, JAZZ reflectance spectrometers, UV/VIS spectrophotometers, plate reader with absorbance/ fluorescence/ luminescence capabilities, scintillation counters, and HPLC systems.
» Related Facilities: Joint Mass Spectromentry Facility, (RSB-RSC), Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSB); The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) (ANU-CSIRO);
Location
46 Sullivans Creek Rd, Acton ACT 2601, Australia