FAQs

  • What facilities/services does the BIOSI Bioimaging Hub offer?

Basic information about our range of facilities and services can be found on the Bioimaging Hub homepage. You can find out more about our equipment (technical details, user guides, how to book, and the cost of usage) via our equipment database.

  • How do I book the microscopes?

The microscopes are all bookable through shared Microsoft Outlook calendars. Information on how to book each microscope can be found on its respective webpage in our equipment database. The booking procedure can be found here. You may not book an instrument if you have not first received training in its use. To arrange training please contact the facility manager (hayesaj@cardiff.ac.uk; ext 76611). Confocal booking requests must be approved by a member of staff within the facility.

  • How much does it cost to use the microscopes/imaging equipment?

Please contact the Bioimaging Hub (Bioimaginghub@cardiff.ac.uk) for costs.

  • How do I find the BIOSI Bioimaging Hub?

The Bioimaging Hub is situated on the ground floor, east wing, of the Sir Martin Evans building of Cardiff School of Biosciences (BIOSI II; E/0.14A; E/0.03; E/0.04; E/0.05). Postcode reference CF10 3AX for Google Earth.

  • What are the opening hours of the BIOSI Bioimaging Hub?

The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you require access outside these hours, please contact the facility manager (hayesaj@cardiff.ac.uk; ext 76611)

  • What fluorochromes should I use for my experiments?

Guidance on the choice of fluorochromes can be found here.

  • How do I overcome background autofluorescence?

Strategies for dealing with background autofluorescence can be found here.

  • How do I reduce photo-bleaching of my samples?

Strategies for minimising photobleaching can be found here.

  •  What software do you recommend for analysis of microscopical data?

A list of free imaging software with links is available here.