A versatile tool for 𝘪𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘰 vascular research
Vascular function can be assessed in vitro using a myograph. Benchtop wire myograph systems consist of an organ bath, mounting wire or prongs, a micrometer, and a force transducer and amplifier to measure tension development in the tissue. This
Is 1 tesla enough: How low-field MRI is permitting more preclinical researchers to utilize this gold standard technique than ever before
In my day to day interactions, I come across numerous researchers who are not able to fully utilize MRI systems as they would like or cannot see themselves using this technology even though it could immensely help their research.
The Importance of Cohousing During Telemetry Studies
Research animals must be housed under conditions that ensure their physiologic and behavioral needs are met. These conditions influence animal well-being and the quality of data obtained throughout a study. Facilities are often designed with many of these factors
PET/CT: Frequently Asked Questions
What is PET/CT Imaging? PET/CT imaging is the combination of two distinct imaging techniques. a What is PET Imaging? PET, or positron emission tomography, is a look at the metabolic or biochemical activity present in a given anatomical region
Cancer biology and High-Frequency Ultrasound: non-invasive identification, visualization, and quantification in a wide variety of preclinical tumor models
Ultrasound has become a widely used preclinical imaging modality that can be used to visualize a variety of internal structures within small animal models with high resolution (down to 30µm). This provides researchers with primary structural information in real-time
𝘐𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘰 intermittent hypoxia: New chambers give researchers dynamic and controlled O₂ environment to enhance research
Intermittent hypoxia (IH), also referred to as hypoxia-reoxygenation, is a condition where periods of normal tissue oxygen pressure (normoxia) cycle with periods of low tissue oxygen pressure (hypoxia). This alternating lack of oxygen is associated with various forms of
Investigating the role of metabolism in human induced pluripotent stem cell generation
This team of researchers in the Biology Department at Western University are investigating metabolic ways to increase efficiency of reprogramming adult cells to iPSCs. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which means they can turn into any cell type found in the
Counting Highly Dense Colonies
Perhaps you’ve been there - looking at a colony formation assay (CFA) where there are hundreds (or thousands) of colonies of various sizes and wondering “how can I possibly count all of these colonies accurately”? The logistical problem becomes
A Non-Invasive Method to Assess Coronary Flow Reserve
Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is a measure of the ability of the coronary arteries to increase blood flow to the myocardium via dilation during periods of stress. CFR is reduced by age, as well as various disease states including
Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC): Why, how and the outcome as it relates to pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and/or heart failure
Chronic congestive heart failure, more commonly referred to as heart failure (HF), is a multifactorial cardiac disease which can affect the heart both structurally and/or functionally thereby impairing its ability to properly fill and eject blood from the ventricles.
Normoxia isn’t normal: Conventional incubators generate more questions than they answer
Since the first CO2 incubators were made commercially available in the late 1960’s they have become a staple for researchers to grow and maintain cells in vitro. These chambers have been highly effective for this task; however, they do
Re-evaluating manual colony counting: How automated counting is saving researchers time and effort
Manual colony counting method A typical manual counting scenario looks like this: The researcher finds an object and decides whether it is a colony. If it is determined to be a colony, the researcher then ascertains if it meets
Benchtop blood pressure: A fast, affordable and non-invasive technique
The capability to precisely and non-invasively measure the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, on top of heart rate and other blood flow parameters in rodents, can be of great clinical value to researchers. The non-invasive rat and mouse blood
Cardiac Capacity and Thermal Performance: an examination of cardiovascular development in Atlantic salmon
This team of researchers in the Biology Department at Western University are investigating ways to reintroduce Atlantic salmon to the Great Lakes, specifically Lake Ontario. Hatchery stocking programs are a major tool used to improve recreational fishing opportunities. They
Bringing hypoxia chambers into the 21st century: Making a case for absolute measurements
In the last year, I’ve spoken to countless hypoxia researchers in person, at conferences, and over the phone. When I reach out to these people the one question I always ask is “in what units does your current chamber