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University of Missouri
Research, Innovation & Impact

Advanced Light Microscopy

News and announcements

Fall 2026: New Instrumentation

ALMC is delighted to announce that we have acquired several new instruments now available for use.

Confocals: Two new point-scanning systems

Nikon AXR with NSPARC

Our Nikon AXR confocal microscope is equipped with:

  • Pulsed 405, 488, and 640 nm laser lines
  • Continuous-wave 561 nm laser
  • A 2K resonant scanner 
  • Two hybrid GAsP detectors
  • Two multi-alkali PMT detectors 
  • An NSPARC super-resolution detector 

The NSPARC spatial array detector provides super-resolution imaging with improved signal-to-noise performance and can achieve approximately 100 nm lateral (XY) and 300 nm axial (Z) resolution. The system is also equipped with an environmental chamber for live-cell imaging. This acquisition expands our ability to visualize fine cellular structures and dynamic biological processes at super-resolution detail without the need for specialized sample preparation. The additional ability of the system to perform rapid, high-quality scanning allows large data sets to be generated for deep-level analysis and the exploration of fast dynamic processes. Researchers are using this instrumentation to investigate organelle structure and organization, cytoskeletal remodeling, and three-dimensional tissue architecture, revealing how these features change during development, disease progression, and response to treatment.

Thanks to the following who contributed funds and/or equipment for the purchase of this instrumentation:

  • The Riney Foundation
  • The Division of Research, Innovation and Impact
  • The Bond Life Sciences Center
  • Dr. Paul de Figueiredo
  • The Interdisciplinary Plant Group
  • The Division of Biological Sciences
  • The Division of Animal Sciences
  • The College of Arts and Sciences
  • The College of Veterinary Medicine

Leica Stellaris 5 with white light laser 

Our Leica Stellaris 5 is equipped with: 

  • a tunable white-light laser (485–685 nm) and fixed laser excitation lines at 405, 488, 561, and 633 nm. 
  • Three high-sensitivity HyD detectors capable of photon counting 
  • An environmental chamber for temperature and CO₂ control during prolonged live-cell experiments
  • This instrument combines flexible excitation, sensitive detection, and TauSense fluorescence lifetime information, enabling researchers to distinguish signals that overlap in fluorescence emission wavelengths, and reducing interference from autofluorescence.

Other equipment

Leica Ivesta 3 Greenough stereomicroscope

Its acquisition expands the core’s capacity for dissections and specimen preparation, providing a stereoscopic view that supports precise manipulation of biological samples. An integrated camera and connected monitor allow the demonstration of techniques to multiple users simultaneously, supporting hands-on training, collaborative troubleshooting and documentation of specimens and procedures.

Leica CM3050 S cryostat for BSL-2

It expands the core’s capacity to produce high-quality frozen tissue sections for histology and fluorescence microscopy with precise sectioning controls that support reproducible sample preparation. Dedicating this additional instrument to BSL-2 use broadens access for researchers working with such specimens while maintaining availability for routine cryosectioning.

RFP Stereoscope filter

The new RFP filter is available for use on our Leica M205 and Leica Thunder stereoscopes. This filter supports imaging of RFP-labeled specimens that are not adequately detected with our existing mCherry filter, expanding the range of fluorescent reporters researchers can use on these systems.