Acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscope as a tool for furthering morphological studies of biological and mineral models

Abstract

Morphology, which is an important tool for basic research studies in general, has recently come to demand the use of technologies that are more refined. In-depth morphological studies can be carried out only through the use of such new technologies, which can also make such studies more competitive at the international level. Although our research group, composed of 11 researchers (adjunct and full professors, at UNESP and at the University of São Paulo), has developed projects that present, among other objectives, that of studying biological and mineral models, also at the morphological level, we can no longer obtain new results with the tools currently in use (light and electron microscopes). Therefore, we are requesting, via the FAPESP Multi-user Equipment Program, the acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscope, a tool that, pursuant to the philosophy of that program, will allow us not only to continue our own studies but also to establish better interdisciplinary relationships. In addition, the acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscope will make it possible to expand upon the knowledge previously gained through research conducted in the various fields of study represented by the proponents: ticks, termites, ants, and other insects that are important in the area of forensic entomology; anuran vertebrates; ectoparasites, in terms of the host-parasite relationship; the relationships between symbiotic fungi and invertebrates; cell biology; exercise physiology; and geological analysis of the composition and structure of soil and terrain (stratigraphy). We again note that the technical resources currently available have been employed to their full extent, and that, to continue our morphological studies, we must now implement new technologies. To that end, we must acquire new tools, which will allow us to provide greater amounts of data to the interested parties within the academic community, as well as to increase the number of scientific papers published. Achieving these goals will contribute to raising Brazil to the status of developed country. (AU)