New confocal microscope unveiled by the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology

A confocal microscope allows researchers to investigate and construct two and three-dimensional pictures of cells, tissues and microorganisms by imaging fluorescence. This particular microscope can image live as well as fixed (dead) biological matter and is fitted with a stage that can vary temperature and carbon dioxide levels. Using fluorescent dyes that label specific parts of cells or tissues, or particular types of microorganisms, researchers can visualize where these are in cells and tissues, how they change in living tissues over time under different environmental conditions, as well as identify when specific molecules or functions are active in the tissues and cells. “Having a live imaging confocal microscope so close to a living coral reef allows the basic biology of corals to be dynamically imaged in a way that has never been done before,” says Ruth Gates, an associate researcher at HIMB and director of the Gates Lab where the new microscope is housed. “This will facilitate the rapid acquisition of knowledge for a group of animals that are the building blocks of tropical marine coastal ecosystems globally.”

 

Interactions between corals and microorganisms will be explored under a variety of conditions to address questions relating to coral health and disease in the context of climate change and pollution. “Coral reefs around the world are declining at an alarming rate,” adds Gates. “This is an issue that needs to be addressed now, and we are ideally situated at HIMB to address this problem.”