PaCIFiC Launch Event
Wednesday 14th May, 2025, 12:00 PM-14:00 PM at the Pathology Dept Lecture Theatre
We are delighted to invite you to a lunchtime launch event to hear about our recently launched cryo-imaging facility PaCIFiC. PaCIFiC is based in the Department of Pathology and enables the cryo-cooling and cryo-fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues, including pathogen-infected samples, facilitating downstream high-resolution cryo-imaging (soft X-ray or electron microscopy). This event is open to all researchers within the University interested in hearing about how PaCIFiC might unlock new avenues for their research. Lunch will be provided.
Program Agenda:
12:00 Welcome Lunch
13:00 Introduction to PaCIFiC - Dr. Luay Joudeh
13:20 ”Seeing infection through a new lens” within SBS - Prof. Graham
13:25 Investigating virus assembly and remodelling of infected cells using correlative cryo-fluorescence and cryo-X-ray microscopy - Prof. Crump
13:45 Cryo-electron microscopy and tomography – Dr. Dima Chirgadze
Please register your attendance before Sunday, 11 May here.
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PaCIFiC: Your Gateway to Cryo-Imaging
PaCIFiC is a cutting-edge containment level 2 (CL2) facility, equipped to prepare and analyze non-hazardous and infectious samples (hazard group 2 pathogens). Our facility offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:
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Vitrification: We can help you expertly vitrify your samples, and provide the required guidance to ensure optimal conditions for imaging.
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Cryo-Confocal Microscopy: Utilize advanced confocal cryo-microscopy to generate high-resolution images. This vital step allows you to assess sample quality and identify specific regions or structures of interest for further analysis.
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3D Subcellular Targeting: Generate 3D models of your samples, pinpointing specific regions or proteins for downstream high-resolution imaging techniques like electron cryo-tomography (cryoET) or soft X-ray cryo-tomography (cryoSXT).
- Cell Culture Support: We provide access to dedicated cell culture facilities, including incubators and all necessary cell growth and maintenance equipment. This ensures optimal in-house sample preparation for downstream vitrification and cryo-imaging.
What is cryo-imaging?
Cryo-imaging is a groundbreaking technique that rapidly freezes biological samples, essentially stopping them in their tracks, and is designed to revolutionize our understanding of cells and pathogens. Through the power of cryo-imaging, PaCIFiC allows you to peer into the frozen world of biological samples, preserving them in a near-life state for unparalleled detail.
"Seeing Infection Through a New Lens"
The PaCIFiC facility's primary investment was made possible through this collaborative initiative, an effort focused on securing the necessary instrumentation to enhance capabilities in advanced pathogen imaging in Cambridge.
