Biological Imaging
The Biological Imaging Section provides expertise, instruction, and instrumentation in optical microscopy to all NIAID investigators. Staff is available to assist in experimental design and in the collection and analysis of high-quality images of living and fixed material. Techniques include confocal, fluorescence, and video microscopy, as well as post-collection quantification and deconvolution.
Electron Microscopy
The Electron Microscopy Unit provides state-of-the-art technologies to support the ultrastructural imaging needs of NIAID scientists. A variety of methods, protocols, and equipment including immunologic and cryogenic techniques and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopes are employed to accommodate diverse preparative and imaging needs.
Flow Cytometry
The Flow Cytometry Section (FCS) provides DIR investigators with cutting-edge cytometric technologies and instrumentation for high dimensional cell analysis and sorting. In addition, the FCS provides training, consultation, method development, and support for experiments involving broad aspects of cytometry applications. Major goals within the FCS are to provide access to state-of-the-art technologies, to help design and run experiments, to facilitate data interpretation, and to provide results that are of consistent high quality.
Genomics Research
The Genomics Research Section supports state-of-the-art technologies to meet investigators’ ongoing and future needs. The goal of the section is to support advanced technologies and provide high-quality service in a timely manner to all NIAID researchers. The current selection of inhouse technologies includes but is not limited to; Illumina Next Generation Sequencing instruments, 10x Genomics single cell processing and sequencing, spatial profiling with NanoString GeoMx system or 10x Genomics Visium, high throughput qPCR validation or gene discovery analysis.
Integrated Data Sciences
The Integrated Data Science Section (IDSS) provides scientific consultation, training and workshops, computational and data science support and collaborate on technology development projects. IDSS will work with RTB core laboratories to develop a fully integrated resource for NIAID investigators that includes experimental design support through final data analysis and manuscript preparation. IDSS pipelines and software will be available for use by NIAID investigators and staff including focused workshops and training.
Protein & Chemistry
The Protein & Chemistry Section offers support in the planning, execution and analysis of projects related to proteomics, assay development, purifications, bacterial identifications, protein complex characterization and kinetics, N-terminal sequencing, and the analysis and characterization of small biomolecules. The proteomics workflows supported include labeled and label-free quantitation, posttranslational modification identification, and customized acquisition and analysis strategies.
Structural Biology
The Structural Biology Section (SBS) provides specialized techniques and scientific expertise that enables Division of Intramural Research (DIR) scientists to obtain biophysical and structural data for macromolecules. While closely collaborating with researchers, the SBS provides consulting/training, produces pure proteins, performs biophysical analyses, and determines structures of proteins and other macromolecules that are central to the infectious disease and immunology research programs of DIR. With an emphasis on providing training in biochemical, biophysical, and structural methods.
Visual and Medical Arts
The Visual and Medical Arts Unit (VMA) enables investigators to communicate biomedical research to both the scientific community and the general public. VMA creates clear and captivating visualizations that are scientifically accurate and that effectively communicate to a broad audience.