Data Analysis and Storage

-80ºC Loaner Freezer

Is your -80ºC on the fritz? Do you simply need to temporarily thaw your freezer to clean it out? The PCAT holds a spare and provides scheduling for a spare large -80ºC Freezer. If you are not a member of the DC, you should first confirm that you have checked with UCSF Facilities to see whether they have a loaner for you.

This model is a Thermo Scientific Revco UxF Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer, and holds ~28 cubic feet storage and it is located on the 10th floor, outside of the PCAT space. Ideally, it is not to be moved so bring your freezer racks on a cart to this location. If it absolutely does need to be moved, most likely facilities can do this for you.

Here are the FAQs:

  • To use the freezer-- you must sign up for the duration of your intended use.
  • This freezer is most frequently used as a temporary (2-3 days) loaner freezer for routine freeze-thaw clean outs of your existing freezer. 
  • If your lab needs to occupy the freezer for longer than a few days, for example, while waiting for new freezer to be delivered, discuss your timeline with the PCAT. You should provide evidence that your replacement freezer has been ordered.
  • This loaner is maintained in an unplugged state when not in use. Hence it will take approximately 12-24 hours to sufficiently cool down. It is a green policy. In most cases, your broken freezer will maintain a frozen state for a day or two, without dry ice, and without opening it.
  • After use, and to prevent mould growth, the freezer must be left clean and dry.

 

 

Harmony High-Content Imaging and Analysis

Designed for biologists, Harmony’s workflow-based interface makes the whole process of high-content analysis straightforward, even for new users with little microscopy or programming knowledge.

One high-content analysis software for all your applications

  • Phenotypic Screening
    • Get robust phenotypic fingerprints based on intensity, morphology, texture and fluorescence distribution parameters
    • Easily train the software to recognize relevant phenotypes
    • Quantify even subtle phenotypic differences
  • Live Cell Imaging
    • Follow phenotypic changes over time
    • Accurately quantify label-free live cell images
    • Track individual cells over time or analyze wound-healing assays
    • Analyze cell signaling dynamics using e.g. FRET based assays
  • 3D Cell Models
    • Speed up 3D image acquisition by targeted imaging of microtissues
    • Better understand your cell models by exploring them in the new 3D viewer and the XYZ viewer
    • Measure morphologies and volumes in 3D, count nuclei within spheroids
    • Enhance Maximum Intensity Projection Analysis using PlaneMap
    • One software for image acquisition, 3D visualization and analysis
  • Rare Cell Phenotypes
    • Quickly capture your rare cell phenotypes with PreciScan
    • Pre-screen at low resolution and acquire objects of interest at high resolution
    • Shorten your image acquisition times
    • Reduce your data volume
  • Routine Assays
    • Utilize more than 30 ready-made-solutions for standard assays
    • Ensure repeatability by running established protocols

One high-content analysis software for all users

  • New Users
    • Get quantification for your cell images
    • Easy to learn – even for users with little microscopy or programming knowledge
    • Get started with 30 ready-made solutions
    • Logical workflow for easy control of all aspects of image acquisition and analysis
    • Simple building blocks to assemble image analysis sequences (step-by-step)
  • Expert Users
    • Quantify difficult phenotypes with advanced texture and morphology readouts
    • Utilize advanced building blocks to enable e.g. ratiometric FRET imaging
    • Create “stitched” global images from multiple fields of view
    • Examine samples at multiple scales – regions found in the global image can be used for analysis in the original images
  • For Lab Managers
    • Keep up with increasing research needs – analyze larger sample sizes
    • Quickly train new users to set up the instrument and analyze their images
    • Find images, metadata and results quickly via the integrated sortable database
    • View and analyze data from any computer with installation of Harmony software
    • Get application support by image analysis experts

Petabyte Server

What is a Petabyte?

A petabyte is a multiple of a byte, which is the unit of storage size for digital information. Since peta indicates multiplication by the fifth power of 1,000, a petabyte is equal to one quadrillion (1,000,000,000,000,000) bytes, 1,000,000 GBs, or 1,000 TBs.

To try putting this in perspective, scientists estimate the human brain has space for about 2.5PB of memories. Or consider that a single PB would be enough to store 24/7 video recording at 1080p for almost 3.5 years. Basically, you could take 4,000 high resolution digital photos every day for your entire life to fill up one petabyte.

The PCAT houses a petabyte server for storing immense amounts of data.  If you would like to use this resource, contact Dr. Michael McManus.