New Instruments and Facilities

Core facilities at VP&S often add new high-end instruments and services as technologies are developed, allowing VP&S researchers to incorporate cutting-edge equipment and methods into their research. Additionally, new core facilities are sometimes established to address a new need for a shared scientific resource.

New shared resources, services, and scientific instruments that are openly available to VP&S researchers are listed below. To have a new service posted here, please email us.

10X Genomics

CSCI Flow Cytometry, in collaboration with the Single Cell Core (Columbia Genome Center), offers access to the 10X Genomics 3’ v3 or 5’ v2 scRNA-seq workflow on a self-use basis. After comprehensive training, users will be able to generate barcoded single-cell cDNA from isolated cells in the CSCI Flow Cytometry before submitting their samples to the Single Cell Analysis Core which will provide library construction, quality control, sequencing, and bioinformatics services.

For additional information contact:

Michael Kissner, Director of Operations, CSCI Flow Cytometry mdk2108@cumc.columbia.edu
Erin Bush, Director, Single Cell Analysis Core ecb2152@cumc.columbia.edu

​​​​​Amnis ImageStream Mk II Imaging Flow Cytometer

The Amnis ImageStream is a multispectral, imaging flow cytometer. The ImageStream is capable of analyzing up to 5,000 cells/sec and collecting up to 12 channels of cellular imagery at 60X/40X/20X Magnification. The ImageStream can be used with fluorescent markers to quickly characterize the cellular localization of proteins in large samples of cells, allowing for analysis of complex populations or rare cell types.

Learn More About Flow Cytometry Core (Black Building: CSCI)

Additional Information

BSL-3 and ABSL-3 Facilities

BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratory services are available to Columbia researchers on a fee-for-service basis.

Learn More About BSL-3 and ABSL-3 Facilities

Columbia University Biobank

The purpose of the Columbia University Biobank (CUB) is to create a centralized resource to collect, process, store and disseminate biological specimens, biomarkers, and health data for Columbia University investigators for use in biomedical research.

Learn More About Columbia University Biobank

Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader with BioSpa Live Cell Analysis System

The Biotek Cytation 5 allows for automated imaging of samples, including cells, solution assays, and suspensions, in multi-well plates. Absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence can be measured, and imaging can be performed at 4x or 20x.

  • Cell counting, proliferation, migration, and wound healing assays can be performed
  • Live cell assays can be imaged
  • Slides and chamber slides can be used
  • A plate handling robot is available for large assays.

Learn More About Confocal and Specialized Microscopy Core (HICCC)

Electron Microscopy

Electron Microscopy core facility assists researchers in the preparation and imaging of biological samples via traditional SEM and TEM techniques.

Learn More About Electron Microscopy

Emergency Backup Freezers

ECUIMC has obtained upright, shelved -80°C freezers that are available for the research community to use during a freezer failure while their freezer is being repaired or replaced. 

Learn More About Emergency Backup Freezers

Glacios and Krios cryo-TEMs

The Columbia University Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center has acquired new Glacios (200 kV FEG) and Krios (300 kV FEG) Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopes. These instruments allow for sample screening and high-resolution 3D imaging of proteins and macromolecular assemblies, as well as high-resolution cellular tomography.

You find more information on sample preparation, scheduling imaging time, or getting started with new structural biology projects on Cryo-EM Center website

Learn More About Cryo-EM Center

Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

MSI allows for label-free, spatio-chemical images of of drugs, metabolites, lipids, and proteins in frozen tissue sections and on other surfaces.  Two types of MSI are now available in the chemistry department: DESI and MALDI.

DESI imaging is performed on a newly installed Waters Synapt G2-Si QToF equipped with MS/MS and ion mobility functions.  With minimal sample preparation and spatial resolution as good as 50 µm, DESI is an increasingly popular choice for many MSI experiments focused on detection of small molecules and lipids.

MALDI imaging is performed on a Bruker Ultraflextreme MALDI-ToF/ToF equipped with a 2000-Hz SmartBeam II laser and MS/MS functionality.  A newly installed HTX TM-sprayer allows for consistent and uniform MALDI matrix application for improved reproducibility.  MALDI imaging offers spatial resolution as good as 20 µm and can be used for either small molecules or large molecules including some intact proteins

Learn More About Mass Spectrometry Core (Morningside: Chemistry)