Knox College has been awarded a National Science Foundation grant to acquire a new imaging system for biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience. The grant of $41,902 will allow Knox to replace its current imaging system with a new instrument that provides higher quality images, faster data analysis, and environmentally friendly technology that reduces waste.

The instrument allows researchers to study biological materials, including proteins and nucleic acids. It is used extensively in both coursework and research laboratories in biochemistry, biology, and neuroscience. More than 140 students a year will gain experience with it in their classes and research projects. Five faculty are serving as principal investigators and senior personnel and will use the imaging system in their research:

• Janet Kirkley, biochemistry
• Matthew Jones-Rhoades, biology and neuroscience
• Andrew Mehl, chemistry and biochemistry
• Judith Thorn, biology and neuroscience
• Esther Penick, biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience

The new system will be used in several projects currently underway at Knox, including research into

• Effects of alcohol on the immune system
• Development of the earliest stages of the nervous system
• Study of social amoebas and the evolution of different types of cells
• Gender differences in drug dependence

The ChemiDoc MP imager, produced by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., is a computer-controlled optical system with specialized data analysis software.