Last updated 01/09/06

Stellenbosch University researchers studying living cells to investigate stem cell movement, the production of free radicals in cells and the hereditary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy heart disease now have a new million rand “toy” with which to do their work faster and in more detail.
The new Olympus IX 81 microscope – the first of its kind in Africa – has just arrived at the new Live Cell Imaging Facility, which is part of the Central Analytical Facility of Stellenbosch University. The system, which will be run by Dr Rob Smith from the Department of Physiological Sciences, uses Olympus Cell R software, and an MT-20 illumination source.
Thanks to its high resolution ability and software linked to a personal computer, accurate multi-dimensional modeling of living cells can be done, ranging from 2D to 6D, without damaging the cell itself.
“Due to advances in microscope technology researchers are able to see more detail at the cell level than was possible with older imaging systems. We are now able to achieve a resolution of 250nm – about 150 times thinner than a human hair.” says Dr Smith.
Its integrated incubator chamber makes it possible to investigate living cells in a controlled environment of 37˚C. “This is a very important feature when working with living cells,” Dr Smith stressed.
It is also safer and cheaper for researchers, as smaller volumes of chemicals are used, as well as cells rather than animal tissues.
The fully automated system also is also a tremendous timesaver for researchers. The Researcher can set up the system and go on with other work while the equipment analyzes a specific living cell during one continuous experiment, rather than the multiple time-consuming experiments that had to be done in the past.
According to Dr Smith, interest has been received from researchers throughout South Africa, who would like to use the instrument.
The equipment will be used by various researchers from the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences, including: Physiological Sciences, Medical Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Physiological Sciences & Microbiology.
 

Photo Caption: (front to back) Dr Matthias Rommeswinkel of Olympus Biosytems assists Dr Rob Smith of the Department of Physiological Sciences with the new Olympus IX 81 microscope.

Some of you might remember Moonira Mullah, the 2004/2005 Olympus Prize Winner for Service and dedication in the field of Cytology. Well it is no surprise that this years Wirsam Scientific Service Award for 2005/2006 was once again won by Moonira.
This years prize was awarded  at the SMLTSA e’Goli Branch Annual General Meeting held in Johannesburg.
Moonira is a well-deserved candidate and has been offering unfailing support in her profession for many years especially in the field of Cytotechnology.
Besides running her own Independent Private Practice, been involved in Education she also offers prodeo (no charge) papsmears to underprivileged woman in and around Johannesburg. I think we’d all agree that Moonira is a great example to all of us and Wirsam Scientific is proud to been associated with her and her good work. Congratulations!

Caption: Moonira Mullah – 2005/2006 Wirsam Scientific Service Award Prize Winner.