| Research Resources Branch |
| The Research Resources Branch (RRB) provides centralized research resources and research support services essential to the productive conduct of biomedical research by the Intramural Research Program. Personnel in the Research Resources Branch represent a wide variety of talents, skills, and expertise for supporting Intramural investigators. |
| The Central Laboratory Service Section (CLSS) offers investigators specialized laboratory support services. The primary goal of the CLSS is to support the research interests and ongoing projects of various Laboratories within the IRP. CLSS provides the expertise necessary to assist in the proper performance of specialized experiments and in the interpretation of obtained data. Established in 2000, this Section provides specific expertise, new technologies, and experienced staff to enhance the research efforts of all NIA investigators. Capabilities and services within CLSS include advanced sequencing, cell sorting, genetics, genomics, and technologies. In addition to their service duties, some CLSS Unit Heads also perform hypothesis-driven, defined research projects within their laboratories. |
| The CLSS is currently divided into 2 service units: |
Robert Wersto, Ph.D., Head - The Flow Cytometry Unit (FCU) provides cell sorting and enhanced fluoragraphic analysis in support of research in the Intramural Program. In addition, the Unit provides consultation services to investigators in designing and interpretating flow cytometry and cell sorting studies. Various uses of this facility include measurements of antigen or ligand density, apoptosis, enzyme activity, DNA and RNA content, membrane potential, cytokine receptors and its synthesis, phagocytosis and viability obtained from cells, changes in cell cycle, intracellular pH, intracellular calcium, intracellular glutathione and oxidative burst.
Kevin G. Becker, Ph.D., Head - The Gene Expression and Genomics Unit (GEGU) provides support and training spanning the entire microarray process, from sample preparation through data analysis. Several IRP arrays are available for use within this Unit including the IRP Human 15K cDNA array and the Laboratory of Genetics 15K cDNA murine embroyonic array. This Unit also provides support in the production of custom arrays based on investigator specifications and provides cDNA templates for spotting. New state-of-the-art instruments and software have greatly expanded available services and capabilities of this facility.
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| The Instrumentation Design and Fabrication Section (IDFS) plans, designs, repairs, and fabricates mechanical instruments in support of scientific research in the Intramural Program. In addition, IDFS maintains existing electronic equipment and devises new electronic instruments to meet the special needs of intramural research staff. |
| The Networks, Computing and Telephony Section (NCTS) is responsible for providing technical support to Intramural Program staff and researchers in the areas of custom-designed programs for data collection and analysis, network connectivity and integration, computer usage including email and remote access, telephone service and voice mail. This support includes operating and developing NIA/IRP networks, Data and Mail storage servers, Data backup and recovery, the central OpenVMS computer cluster and the Definity/AUDIX and Communications Manager/Modular Messaging/Meeting Exchange telephony systems and managing NIA/IRP user NIH Domain accounts. NCTS provides ongoing consultation, training and assistance to the users of these systems. The NCTS also supports the selection, purchase and installation of computer systems for office and laboratory applications. The NCTS develops and enforces information technology policies for the National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program and coordinates these policies with the NIH Center for Information Technology (CIT). |
| The Visual Media Section (VisMed) provides publication design, poster design, general art work, and the preparation of illustrations for printing, presentation as color or black and white slides, overhead transparencies, or computer projections. Statistical, technical, and scientific illustrations, statistical drafting, general graphic productions, and schemas portraying experimental protocols and design are also prepared. |
