Instrumentation Laboratory Project Page
Project: Imaging Scaffold
Department: Electron Microscope Facility
Primary Investigator: Dr. Richard E. Edelmann
Purpose: We are currently in final preparation stages for a series of experiments to be performed on the International Space Station (ISS) currently scheduled for flight next year. The NASA funded project "Analysis of a novel sensory mechanism in root phototropism" is designed to look at red and blue light effects in Arabidopsis in the absence of gravity. These experiments will be performed in the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) - an automated environmental habitat and data collection system. In order to determine the optimal experimental parameters we have assembled a "mock-up" of the EMCS in Pearson Hall. This imaging scaffold will position our seedling culture chambers, video camera, and mirror in the same geometry as in the EMCS. This scaffold will greatly improve our ability to test the imaging and growth of the seedlings by maintaining the correct optical pathway.
These experiments will be performed in the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) .
IL Comment: IL made mounting brackets for camera and mirror assemblies for stability. Brackets were made to allow adjustment in the X and Y directions of both camera and mirror assemblies. Also made baseplate to mount all components at required distances. Distance between all components are now adjustable.
Cost to researcher: $41.69