Three image analysis workstations are available at the CMIA. A Metamorph 6.1 workstation is situated in room 406E. A workstation loaded with Image Pro Plus 5.1 and 3D constructor is situated in 406D and another is available at 406F. The later is also used to drive the digital camera. There is a full capacity available in the CMIA for opening and converting confocal images either as x/y/z stacks or time lapse. 3D constructor, represents a powerful software addition for 3D rendering from series of images. It has been mainly used with confocal images, but it has strong capacity for analysis of all kinds of image sequences as MRI. Although digital imaging is already well integrated in many scientific fields, a few investigators take a maximum advantage of the possibilities provided by this so promising approach. The major advantage of digital image is that it translates the information from your specimen into a number. If the images are taken under appropriate conditions, the may then be used for comparisons. However, one has to take into account limiting factors as optical resolution into the design of experiments. Careful design of the experiment is prerequisite for successful image analysis project. CMIA can assist investigators in all steps involved in this process, and to provide guidelines for the optimal experimental conditions.

Most common demands for image analysis are co-localizations. Now we have the ability to expand this demand at 3D. However, co-localization has to be very carefully considered. Automatic count of objects, their size and integrated optical brightness are among common demands of scientist. All these can be addressed efficiently with available at the CMIA resources for image analysis. You should not hesitate to ask the CMIA director about the existing capabilities, and how they can be integrated in your specific project.