May 2025: BOC New Microscopes, MWACD, Vision Research Core | Research | UW–Madison Skip to main content
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May 2025: BOC New Microscopes, MWACD, Vision Research Core

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UW-Madison Research Resources Reporter
May 2025

Contents

  • Microscope Updates in Biochemistry Optical Core
  • MWACD announcement
  • My Green Lab Freezer Challenge
  • Core Highlight- Vision Research Core
  • Question of the Month
  • Shout-outs
Microscope Updates in Biochemistry Optical Core

The Biochemistry Optical Core has upgraded microscopes

Scientists across campus will be getting a closer look at cells — and how molecules within them function — thanks to new, upgraded microscopes in the Biochemistry Optical Core (BOC), a fee-for-service campus facility. BOC received a Research Core Revitalization Award from the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Research (OVCR) for the state-of-the-art spinning disk confocal and fluorescence microscopes late last year. See press release and Core Directory Link for more details on the new resources.

Midwest Association of Core Directors (MWACD) 

Looking for Cores/Labs on Campus to Tour

The Midwest Association of Core Directors (MWACD) is hosting its annual meeting at Memorial Union this year in October. MWACD is the Midwest regional chapter of ABRF (Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities). We are currently looking for core facilities that would like to give a tour of their facility. You do not need to currently be a member of ABRF to participate. The tours would be on October 22nd in early afternoon. To volunteer your facility or to learn more about ABRF and MWACD, please contact Molly Zeller.
My Green Lab Freezer Challenge

The UW-Madison Office of Sustainability invites campus labs to participate in the My Green Lab Freezer Challenge, a free program that runs from now through July 1st.

The Freezer Challenge helps labs improve energy efficiency, sample accessibility, safety, and cost savings through sustainable cold storage practices.

Attached to newsletter is a one-page flyer outlining the challenge and best practices for sustainable freezer management.

If labs are interested in learning about additional sustainability opportunities, please consider the My Green Lab Certification Program. This more comprehensive sustainability program targets energy, water, waste streams, purchasing, and more. The My Green Lab Certification Program also is free for UW—Madison labs, and the annual registration deadline is August 15th.

Thank you for your time, and please feel free to contact the Office of Sustainability Green Labs Team with any questions at greenlabs@g-groups.wisc.edu.

Core Highlight

Vision Research Core

The UW-Madison Vision Research Core is funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) since 2005, and provides vision researchers three distinct service areas; Ocular omics/quantitative molecular biology, Pathology & imaging, Animal models & eye organ culture.

Core staff provide the expertise and laboratory space to provide these vision research services, enabling us to improve the efficiency and productivity in vision research and ultimately speeding the pace of progress in vision research.  The Core also provides subsidies for service/equipment use for NEI R01 PIs and those who are submitting NEI R01 grants.

Services and Instruments are Divided into the Following Modules

Visit the[http://] Research Core Directory page for more information including resources and services offered.

Question of the Month!

We need your feedback!  Please fill out the 1 question survey below: What piece of equipment or service do you plan on asking for in your next proposal?

Shout-outs
Want to thank or recognize a core staff member who went above and beyond to support your research or the research of a core user? Email Sarah Brodnick (skkorinek@wisc.edu) with the individual’s name and a sentence or two about why they deserve a shout-out. Shout-outs will also be posted at https://research.wisc.edu/research-cores/research-resources-reporter/.
Research Resources Reporter is the email newsletter of the Office of Campus Research Cores in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education.