Flow Cytometry update on service arrangements

Dear Flow Cytometry Users,

Recently, Flow Cytometry Research Scientist Ms Jean Bulter resigned from her position within the Facility.

While a suitable candidate is sought to support researchers within the MHTP Flow Facility, for those requiring support with Flow sorting, it is advised to please use Flowcore on the Monash University campus.  https://platforms.monash.edu/flowcore/

There are plans to upgrade MHTP Flow Cytometry Equipment soon and we will keep you updated on this progress and any outcomes.

In the interim, Cell analysis can be undertaken on the Analysers in Block E, Level 3 labs and James Ngui, or one of the immunology staff, may be able to kindly assist.

Please do not hesitate to contact Vivien Vasic (Vivien.Vasic@hudson.org.au) if you have any questions in the interim.

Introduction to Practical Histology Seminar, 3 May

Monash Histology Platform is presenting an Introduction to Practical Histology Seminar 

Tuesday 3 May, 9.30am - 12.30pm, TRF seminar room 3, MHTP

The Seminar will cover important information regarding sample preparation, fixation and methodology designed to optimise the preservation and morphology of your valuable research tissue.

Topics include:

·        Tissue Fixation

·        Paraffin Processing & Embedding

·        Cryopreservation & Sectioning

·        Staining & Immunostaining

·        Scanning

·        Resin

Monash Histology Platform recommends attendance by any staff and students who are performing any Histology (DIY) OR requiring Histological related services. The session will include tips and valuable troubleshooting ideas. It will be a great opportunity to consult our experienced staff.

There is no fee to attend the session.

If you are enrolled in the Biomedical Science Doctoral Program this will count towards your Level 3 activities.

Please register and confirm your attendance by emailing Angela Vais (angela.vais@monash.edu) or Camilla Cohen (Camilla.cohen@monash.edu) by Wednesday 27^th April.

MHTP Technology Platform news: MMI update

With the move into the new TRF building last November, the microscopy facility MMI-MHTP became integrated into the MHTP Technologies Platforms network. This facility has the opportunity to expand and acquire new systems and techniques. 

New equipment includes a confocal microscope (Olympus FV1200), a stereology system (Olympus and Visiopharm) and two multi-well-plate imaging systems. An upgrade of the Nikon C1 confocal microscope expands its capabilities to serve as an automated imaging platform for slide scanning if required. On the image analysis side we have successfully acquired programming capabilities to customize and automate image analysis pipelines.

In 2015, super-resolution microscopy was established as a new capability in MMI and has already resulted in several publications in prestigious journals. A second leading-edge technique, light sheet microscopy, is currently being implemented. Both techniques are currently available at MMI Clayton Campus to researchers at the Hudson Institute and will be set up at the MMI-MHTP node in the near future as well.

A seminar to showcase our MMI-MHTP capabilities will be held in early May. Details to follow.

Monash Histology MHTP update

The MHP-MHTP Histology Node officially opened last week in our new (temporary) location on Level 3 of the MHRP (Rooms 3.23 & 3.24). For users who were unable to attend our Introductory Seminar, we would like to let you know of some important updates.

The new Histology site is available for both Professional Services and DIY, with designated areas and equipment in each space.

DIY users can now use new ergonomic benches for added comfort and safety when using the embeddor,  3 microtomy work stations, cryostat, staining area and new Vibratome.

Our range of Professional services have also been expanded to include access to Immunohistochemistry (chromogenic & fluorescence), antigen retrieval, digital slide scanning (brightfield & fluorescence), Tissue Micro Array production and resin & EM processing, sectioning and staining.

All samples need to please be delivered directly to the MHTP Histology Node on Level 3 of the MHRP with drop off sites in Hudson stores and MMC B Block no longer operational.

To ensure safety, there is a need for users to please register using ARIN and be briefly inducted to access BOTH the Professional Services and/or DIY equipment. Please note that registration fees DO NOT currently apply as they are fully subsidised by your respective Institutes. Professional and DIY services may also be subsidised and will shortly be confirmed. For current LIST prices refer to platforms.monash.edu/histology

Please refer to the flyer attached for further instructions regarding registration and access . Training sessions can be booked with our staff if required.

We understand that it is an extremely busy time of year for researchers and for those that were unable to attend, our Introductory Seminar we will be holding another session early April, date to be advised later this month.

We look forward to supporting you with any Histology requirements, either DIY or Professional and staff will be on site full time to answer any questions, discuss projects or provide advice to support your research. We hope you will take the opportunity to meet our Histology node Supervisor here at MHP-MHTP Histology - Angela Vais.  Angela has very long and varied experience in all aspects of histology spanning 16 years and will be available to provide advice as requested on staining protocols etc.

Please feel free to contact Angela Vais or Camilla Cohen should you have any further queries.

MHP-MHTP Histology node update and Introductory seminar 29 February

We are delighted to announce that the newly established node of Monash Histology Platform (MHP-MHTP Histology node) will commence operations on Tuesday the 1st of March.

We hope to provide significant advancements in Histological services offered, together with access to new equipment, training and on-site professional staff. Ergonomic benches, new microtomes and a Vibratome are just some of the items being introduced.

Centrally positioned space for the MHP-MHTP Histology node (adjacent to existing technology Platforms) has been temporarily allocated to Level 3 of the MHRP building.

As there will be updates in how the MHP-MHTP Histology node is accessed (including booking equipment and requesting Professional Services), we would like to invite you to attend an Introductory seminar and morning tea hosted by the MHP-MHTP Histology node.

Please join us on Monday the 29th of February at 10:30am in Seminar Room 1 of the TRF building H02 for this Introductory seminar. This will be followed by morning tea and an opportunity to meet with Histology staff.

An additional update seminar will also be presented at the end of March to accommodate those that may be unable to attend due to the busy grant writing period.

We look forward to meeting many of you at the morning tea, and further discussing your individual requirements.