Texas A&M Opens Olympus Discovery Center

Malea Murphy, manager of the Integrated Microscopy and Imaging Laboratory, uses a multiphoton microscope at the Olympus Discovery Center at Texas A&M Health Science Center — Malea Murphy, manager of the Integrated Microscopy and Imaging Laboratory, uses a multiphoton microscope at the Olympus Discovery Center.
Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications

Texas A&M University is now home to an Olympus Discovery Center, sponsored by the Japan-based optics manufacturer, opening new capabilities in medical imaging for the university’s researchers.

the Olympus technology — The systems support a broad range of applications in basic sciences and human disease research.
Laura McKenzie/Division of Marketing & Communications

The center, which formally opened March 8, offers researchers in the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and across the university access to Olympus’ FLUOVIEW^™ FV3000RS inverted confocal microscope for high-speed live cell imaging, FVMPE-RS^™ gantry multiphoton microscope for high-resolution deep tissue imaging and VS120 virtual slide scanner for optimized, automatic whole slide scanning.

These microscopy systems support a broad range of applications in basic sciences and human disease research, including neurodevelopmental disorders, behavior and adaptation to injury and disease; the role of innate and adaptive immunity in cancer, molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer initiation and pathogenesis; cardiac, vascular and lymphatic system pathophysiology in aging and disease; and inflammatory responses and disease pathologies related to inflammation and immune dysfunction.

“The capabilities these systems bring will enable our researchers to make great strides in our ongoing efforts to study human diseases, develop effective healthcare solutions and improve patient care,” said Hubert Amrein, senior associate dean of research at the College of Medicine.

Through the center, the Olympus-Life Science division also will offer Texas A&M researchers free training and the opportunity to test and evaluate the company’s new microscopy technology.

The center is housed in the college’s Integrated Microscopy and Imaging Laboratory, which provides microscope systems and technical expertise for researchers across the university. The facility has six microscopy rooms, supporting facilities and an image processing station.

“These tools give Texas A&M scientists new opportunities for cutting-edge research and discovery,” said Andreea Trache, an associate professor of medical physiology at Texas A&M and center director. “We are grateful to Olympus for this support.”

Texas A&M is the fifth university in North America to house an Olympus Discovery Center; the University of Texas at Dallas, University of Maryland, Université de Montréal and McGill University also house centers.