{"id":2,"date":"2026-06-25T01:17:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T01:17:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2026-06-25T01:39:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T01:39:31","slug":"1-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/","title":{"rendered":"UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core supports UNLV research laboratories with advanced imaging, including confocal, multiphoton, enhanced\u2011resolution, and related transmitted\u2011light and fluorescence modalities. The core works primarily with UNLV principal investigators and their lab personnel, providing instrument access, staff\u2011assisted imaging, and consultation on experimental design, sample preparation, and image analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">External academic and industry collaborators may be accommodated as capacity allows through specific agreements with the Director and Core Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Capabilities and instrumentation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our instruments span deep tissue multiphoton imaging, high sensitivity confocal imaging, and lifetime enabled enhanced resolution imaging, providing UNLV investigators with a flexible toolbox for multicolor 3D imaging, quantitative fluorescence analysis, and live cell or tissue-based experiments across a wide range of biological samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nikon A1R MP \u2013 Confocal and multiphoton imaging:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Nikon A1R MP is a laser scanning confocal and multiphoton (A.K.A Two-Photon) microscope equipped with a tunable, femtosecond pulsed, dual input infrared Coherent Discovery laser (including a 1300 nm beam for deep multiphoton excitation) and a high-speed resonant scanner for rapid time lapse imaging. Sensitive detectors, high numerical aperture objectives, and long wavelength multiphoton excitation support deep imaging of thick specimens such as brain slices, tissues, and in vivo preparations with reduced photobleaching and photodamage compared to conventional one photon imaging. This system is well suited for projects requiring deep penetration, gentle imaging, and high temporal resolution in living or thick fixed samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zeiss LSM 800 with Airyscan:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Zeiss LSM 800 is a versatile confocal system equipped with four solid state laser lines and highly sensitive GaAsP detectors, together with the Airyscan super resolution module that provides approximately 1.7 fold higher resolution and markedly improved signal to noise for low intensity samples. It is ideal for high resolution imaging of fixed cells and tissue sections, 3D image stacks, and gentle imaging of dim or delicate samples that benefit from both increased sensitivity and improved spatial resolution. This instrument is particularly appropriate for studies in cell biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology where fine subcellular structures and quantitative fluorescence measurements are important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leica Stellaris with WLL:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Leica Stellaris confocal system is equipped with a tunable, pulsed white light laser (approximately 485\u2013790 nm) and an Acoustic Optical Beam Splitter, five high sensitivity HyD detectors with prism based spectral detection up to roughly 850 nm, and integrated TauSense tools that leverage fluorescence lifetime information to separate overlapping fluorophores, reject unwanted background, and extract functional environmental or metabolic contrast. The adaptive LIGHTNING module offers enhanced resolution imaging down to the ~120 nm scale while preserving speed and sensitivity, and dedicated analysis packages support deconvolution based super resolution, TauSense FLIM analysis, and MicroLab workflows for optogenetic and optical pulse chase experiments including spectral unmixing, FRET, FRAP, and FLIP. The system includes a fully motorized stage with fast z piezo and z drift correction and is outfitted with incubation hardware (including an Oko UNO stage top CO\u2082 mixer and incubation system) for temperature and atmosphere controlled live mammalian cell imaging over extended time lapse acquisitions. This platform is well suited for demanding multicolor and lifetime-based experiments, separation of spectrally overlapping fluorophores, and projects that benefit from enhanced resolution in both fixed and live cell contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Services we provide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The core is organized around services that translate instrument capabilities into practical support for UNLV laboratories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Training and onboarding for lab personnel:<br>We provide structured, hands\u2011on training for designated lab members on each instrument, covering safe operation, basic troubleshooting, and best practices for quantitative imaging. Successful completion of training is required before independent use of any system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Staff\u2011assisted imaging:<br>For technically challenging experiments or laboratories that prefer staff\u2011run sessions, core staff can operate the microscopes on behalf of users, optimizing acquisition parameters and ensuring that data quality is appropriate for the experimental goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Experimental design and sample\u2011preparation consultation:<br>We advise on fluorophore selection, controls, imaging depth, mounting approaches, and compatibility of samples with the optics and detectors, helping laboratories design experiments that can be realistically executed on the available systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Image analysis guidance and consultation:<br>While dedicated analysis workstations are not currently housed within the core, staff can provide guidance on image analysis workflows, including FIJI\/ImageJ\u2011based pipelines and related tools, and help laboratories develop strategies for processing, quantification, and figure preparation on their own computing resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage laboratories to contact the core early in their project planning so that imaging can be integrated into experimental design from the outset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Access and booking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access is primarily for UNLV principal investigators and their laboratory personnel who require advanced imaging for funded or developing research projects. External academic and industry users may be accommodated as capacity allows through specific agreements with the Director and Core Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initial contact<br>The PI or a designated lab member contacts the Core Manager with a brief description of the project, the PI\u2019s name, and the types of samples and fluorophores involved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consultation and instrument selection<br>The core schedules a short consultation to match project needs to appropriate instruments (Nikon A1R MP, Zeiss LSM 800 with Airyscan, or Leica Stellaris) and determine whether staff\u2011assisted sessions or full user training are most appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training and policy agreement<br>Designated lab personnel complete required hands\u2011on training on the relevant system(s) and agree to core policies on safety, data management, and instrument care before independent booking is granted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Independent use and ongoing support<br>Once competency is demonstrated, trained users may reserve instrument time independently within established access rules. Core staff remain available for troubleshooting, optimization, and follow\u2011up consultations as projects evolve.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All microscope time must be reserved in advance through the core\u2019s online scheduling system; details are provided during onboarding. Unscheduled use is not permitted, even if a system appears free; users must schedule and register all sessions to ensure appropriate tracking, billing, and instrument oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Internal rates for UNLV laboratories are set through the university\u2019s recharge process and are designed to support instrument maintenance, service contracts, and staff time. Current rates for internal UNLV users, as well as any external academic and industry pricing, are available upon request from the Director or Core Manager and may be updated periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Publications and acknowledgments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Imaging performed at the UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core has supported research projects and grant applications across multiple units in the College of Sciences and allied programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recommended acknowledgment:<br>\u201cImaging was performed at the UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If imaging was performed by the Core personnel, they should be added as Co-Authors to the paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We encourage laboratories to notify the core of accepted publications, theses, and major grants that relied on core resources so that we can maintain an up\u2011to\u2011date record of scientific impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>People<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Campanale \u2013 Director, Confocal and Biological Imaging Core<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Campanale is an Assistant Professor in the UNLV School of Life Sciences and Director of the Confocal and Biological Imaging Core. His research focuses on collective cell migration, cancer cell biology, and developmental biology, using models such as fruit fly embryos and pancreatic organoids to understand how cells move collectively and organize into functional tissues. He is an expert in fruit fly genetics, 4\u2011dimensional live\u2011cell microscopy, and high\u2011resolution imaging approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Campanale has authored numerous peer\u2011reviewed publications in areas including collective cell migration, epithelial morphogenesis, and live\u2011cell imaging methods. As core director, he oversees the scientific direction and strategic development of the facility, leads decisions about equipment investments and upgrades, and works to align imaging capabilities with UNLV\u2019s evolving research priorities. He is particularly interested in helping principal investigators integrate robust imaging strategies into grant proposals and mentoring lab personnel in rigorous quantitative live\u2011cell imaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez \u2013 Manager, Confocal and Biological Imaging Core<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez is the Manager of the Confocal and Biological Imaging Core at UNLV. He is a Biochemist (Universidad de Navarra, 2013) with a PhD in Biology (Universidad Aut\u00f3noma de Madrid, 2024), and has been working with confocal microscopes and live imaging since 2014. Before joining UNLV, he trained and worked in leading light microscopy environments including the Center for Advanced Microscopy at Northwestern University\u2019s Feinberg School of Medicine, gaining hands\u2011on experience with confocal, multiphoton, spinning disk, lightsheet, and high\u2011content imaging modalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez has contributed to several peer\u2011reviewed publications and methods papers spanning advanced confocal and multiphoton imaging, 4D live\u2011cell microscopy, and quantitative analysis of dynamic biological processes. His expertise includes experimental design for live and fixed\u2011sample imaging, environmental control for live\u2011cell experiments, and image analysis workflows using tools such as FIJI\/ImageJ and related platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At UNLV, Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez provides full\u2011time support, management, and upkeep of all microscope modalities in the core, including the Nikon A1R MP, Zeiss LSM 800 with Airyscan, and Leica Stellaris systems. He serves as the primary point of contact for UNLV laboratories, coordinating user training, scheduling, quality control, and day\u2011to\u2011day troubleshooting, and aligning core operations with institutional standards for safety and data integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Contact and location<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Director:<br>Dr. Campanale \u2013 Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences \u2013 joseph.campanale@unlv.edu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Core Manager:<br>Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez \u2013 Manager, Confocal and Biological Imaging Core \u2013 andres.gutierrezgarcia@unlv.edu \u2013 702\u2011774\u20111550 \u2013 Office SEB 3253; facility SEB 1110.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For emergencies, follow UNLV protocols (UNLV Police 702\u2011895\u20115575 or 911). For urgent issues specifically involving the core during business hours, please contact Dr. Guti\u00e9rrez or Dr. Campanale.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview The UNLV Confocal and Biological Imaging Core supports UNLV research laboratories with advanced imaging, including confocal, multiphoton, enhanced\u2011resolution, and related transmitted\u2011light and fluorescence modalities. The core works primarily with UNLV principal investigators and their lab personnel, providing instrument access, staff\u2011assisted imaging, and consultation on experimental design, sample preparation, and image analysis. External academic and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8,"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2\/revisions\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/microscopy.sites.unlv.edu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}