Thanks to a $48,804 grant that Catawba College received from the N.C. Biotechnology Research, science students now have access to a new Epifluorescence Microscope.

The new microscope was installed in the Shuford Science Building on campus in late August, replacing one that was almost 20 years old.

"Now I can teach students how to really use state-of-the-art equipment," said Dr. Constance Lowery, assistant professor of biology, who wrote the grant proposal for the microscope. "Using this piece of equipment will have direct application for those students who will soon enter the workforce."

Lowery explained that the epifluorescence microscope "allows us to identify locations of proteins and other molecules in a cell."  By adding molecular probes or dyes, different molecules become visible as various wave lengths of light shine on the specimens. A flat, colorless cell becomes colorful with the addition of light and molecular probes.

Lowery will teach a microscopy class in the spring which will allow students to use the new epifluorescence microscopy, an electron microscope and a stereomicroscope which will soon be added to the lab.

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       • Biology