World's most powerful microscope is up and running at UTSA
(May 11, 2010)--Through the generous support of a $1.2 million gift from the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, the world's most powerful microscope is now up and running at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The JEOL transmission electron microscope model JEM-ARM200F will propel the development of new cancer therapies and disease treatments by allowing nanotechnology researchers to see samples magnified 20 million times their original size.
"We now have access to resolutions that will give us a tremendous scientific advantage to solve problems that need to be attacked," said Miguel Yacaman, professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the UTSA College of Sciences. "We'll be able to watch nanoparticles behave one atom at a time. This is the Holy Grail for us."
UTSA will house the new microscope in the Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, a specially designed space on the Main Campus that inhibits intrusive vibrations. Its atomic resolution will propel world-class research in nanotechnology, biology, chemistry, geology, engineering and medicine. Yacaman's team of researchers already is using the microscope to study how to develop optimally shaped nanoparticles that will be placed on a tumor and with an infra-red laser will pinpoint and burn away the damaged cells without harming surrounding healthy cells.
UTSA also will use the microscope to study Alzheimer's disease, to develop new materials and for many other applications. The microscope will be accessible to researchers around the world, operating every day around the clock. The ARM200F, nicknamed "Helenita" for Helen Groves, is the fourth UTSA microscope to be funded by the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation and the seventh addition to the university's microscopy lab.
"The board of the Kleberg Foundation is pleased to have been part of bringing this state-of-the art microscope to the wonderful state of Texas and UTSA to enable UTSA and its researchers to continue to advance their knowledge for the benefit of all of us in South Texas and beyond, and I'm honored to have the microscope named after me." said Helen Groves, president of the Robert J. Kleberg Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation.
Events
Join the PEACE Center and Wellbeing Services for Denim Day, a day of learning about the importance of consent and why we wear denim on the last Wednesday of the month each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stop by our Denim Day display to take a photo in front of our Denim Wall, spin the "Is It Consent?" Wheel, and get a Concha or goodie.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusLearn to use Zotero®, a citation manager that can help you store and organize citations you find during your research. Zotero can generate bibliographies in various styles, insert in-text citations and allow you to share sources with collaborators.
Virtual EventThis event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.