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Research tools
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, Senior Technical Officer - BSB
- Jack Egerton, Senior Technical Officer - EEG
- Stephanie McCaffery, Senior Technical Officer - PS
Gene analysis
The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) features instruments that accommodate a wide variety of sample types and allow sequencing library production, genome complexity reduction and sample multiplexing. Equipment available includes the LabChip spectral analysis, fractionation and separation systems, quantitative real-time PCR and DNA sequencer, customised robotic liquid handling for high-throughput sample extraction, preparation and analysis.
» 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, and instruments for time-lapsed, live-cell imaging and laser micro-dissection. 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 analyses; 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-dryersof 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. The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) provides equipment for DNA and RNA visualisation and quantitation.
» Related Facilities: Joint Mass Spectromentry Facility, (RSB-RSC), Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSB); The EcoGenomics and BioInformatics Facility (EBL) (ANU-CSIRO);