The Electron and Confocal Microscope Unit provides collaborative assistance for BARC scientists to use high resolution imaging for their research programs. The ECM Unit is equipped with state of the art scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The scanning electron microscope includes a cryo-stage that permits the imaging of fast frozen materials that allows an investigator to obtain images of the surface of biological and physical materials unaltered by preparative procedures. Images on web sites of snow crystals and the detail of nearly microscopic mites shows the great power of resolution inherent in this technique. The ECM Unit also possesses a high-resolution transmission microscope that is used to obtain detailed structural information from very thin sections of plastic embedded material. Subcellular structures of 0.01 um or less are easily imaged and when this approach is combined with antibody labeling it can provide not only structural but also compositional information. All of the microscopes of the Electron Microscope Unit are now outfitted with digital cameras, eliminating the need for darkroom work and permitting any collaborating investigator to use images generated to prepare figures for manuscripts and grants.

Lots of changes at ECMU including a new name, Dr. Gary Bauchan will be introducing Confocal Microscopy to the mix here in Beltsville, as well as picking up the SEM duties.

And it is with much regret we say "Happy Retirement" to Eric Erbe who has moved on to new challenges after 35 years contributing science to the research community.

There is no charge to collaborating management units to work with Electron Microscope Unit for short-term projects. For projects that might involve a long-term commitments or that might dominate the staff's, time then the Electron Microscope Unit will provide training and facilities for a member of the collaborator's staff. The Unit functions as a Beltsville Area facility and is funded by a service CRIS. Beltsville scientists who wish to use the Unit should discuss their prospective project with the appropriate member of the Unit's staff, Dr. Gary Bauchan:, specialist in scanning electron microscopy, Charles Murphy:, specialist in transmission electron microscopy or Christopher Pooley:, specialist in digital imaging and computer techniques.
Examples of projects that Electron Microscope Unit has undertaken are shown in the following web links;