Neurodegeneration Research Helped By Motic Microscope

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 02 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Motic has recently supplied an Epi-Fluorescence BA 400 Microscope which is assisting in the research into neurodegenerative diseases, at Kings College London. The microscope is being used to identify very small structures in fruit flies brains which are being tested to show how and why motor neurone diseases occur. The illumination system and the fluorescence microscopy of this equipment assist with the close examination of fly brains.

The fruit flies are being used due to their similarities with human genetic properties, also because they have a short life cycle and are easily genetically reproduced. The research involves closely monitoring the brain function of the fruit flies and using locomotion as a behavioural measurement. Tests are carried out on the fruit flies, such as their ability to climb, to examine the loss of motor neurones with age. A trial of drugs is also being given to the flies to see how they react and if a tremor is identified.

The externally mounted 30W halogen Koehler illumination system of the microscope provides bright and uniform lighting through the various contrast methods, enabling close and clear observation of the fruit flies brains. The upright BA 400 inverted 'Y' design stand allows an attachment of a reflective Epi-fluorescence illuminator. The microscope boasts three filter modules in which there is an additional blank filter module which enables the BA 400 to be used as a bright field and phase contrast microscope.

"The Motic Microscope was selected as it fulfilled all our requirements and was an excellent price," comments Frank Hirth, Head of Research Group, at Denmark Hill, Kings College London. "We use the microscope on a daily basis and it enables us to conduct the bulk of our research, thus saving us both time and money before we need to book the slots to use confocal microscopes which are very expensive."

Graham Moss, Motic Europe commented: "We are delighted to be involved in this exciting research on motor neurone diseases. The BA 400 is a versatile microscope as it can easily be transformed into a fluorescence microscopy platform enabling it to be both a space and budget saving device."

Should further information be required on this microscope or any other in the Motic range, please contact Graham Moss at Motic Northern Europe Sales, via email at gmoss@motic.de for local dealer contact details.

A grant from The Royal Society has enabled the Motic Microscope to be obtained. The Medical Research Council, Motor Neurone Disease Association UK and the Parkinsons Disease Society UK also fund research in Dr. Hirth's laboratory.

About Motic

Motic was established in 1988 as a hi-tech industrial enterprise specialising in the manufacturing of conventional optical microscopes. Owned by Speed Fair Co. Ltd, the company has grown globally with sales offices in the US, Canada, Germany and Spain and a manufacturing base in China. In 1998, the company developed the manufacture of digital microscopy solutions, digital imagery products and application software. It is now one of the leading brand names in digital microscopy and has increased its workforce to over 2,500.

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