Leica provides New York University with new TCS SP8 X microscope

Leica Microsystems has announced that New York University has taken delivery of its 100th Leica TCS SP8 X unit, for use in morphogenetic studies.

The university has equipped itself with a large number of the state-of-the-art confocal laser scanning microscopes to study the migrating cells of the cardiogenic mesoderm in embryos of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis as a model system.

Featuring a white light laser, the Leica TCS SP8 X microscopes offer complete spectral freedom for fluorescence experiments, with a combination of high sensitivity and low laser power ensuring improved viability in live cell imaging.

The latest instrument will be installed at the university's centre for developmental genetics to further understanding of how tissue-specific gene regulatory networks control and coordinate cell behavior during morphogenesis.

Assistant professor Dr Lionel Christiaen said: "The Leica TCS SP8 X will be used for live cell imaging and is considered well-suited to this task, as the white light laser requires low laser power and provides extended spectral freedom."

Last month, Leica agreed a new product distribution deal with Bausch and Lomb, which will see the latter company selling Leica's ophthalmic surgical microscopes and accessories through its commercial infrastructure in selected territories.