EMU: Acquisition of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound Equipments for imaging studies in animal and plant biology. Macro Structure and Metabolism.

• Grant number: 23/16962-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes Marcondes
• Grantee: Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes Marcondes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Laís Rosa Viana

Abstract

The acquisition of Multi-User Equipment (EMU) is an unquestionable gain for the advancement of science, providing researchers with access to cutting-edge technologies for the development of their projects in different areas of scientific research. In many cases, it is challenging for a researcher to secure resources for the acquisition of permanent materials, especially those related to high-cost equipment. In this context, collaborative efforts among associated researchers and collaborators is an alternative. EMU proposals allow for the optimization of financial resources, providing an excellent alternative to ensure that researchers increasingly have access to techniques and methodologies for the development and advancement of their research, contributing to the appreciation and growth of national science.In the current proposal, the request for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (EchoMRI") and Ultrasound (LOGIQ and R8) equipment will contribute to the advancement of associated and complementary projects in terms of national and international scientific competitiveness. These technologies are of extreme importance in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases in the clinical field, but their use in basic research is also fundamental and growing internationally. In this sense, the versatility of these two pieces of equipment will allow for broad thematic articulation and/or the development of projects in different areas of scientific research, covering various physiological and pathological approaches in animal biology, Zoology, for morphological studies, and integrative approaches to taxonomic, ecomorphological, and evolutionary studies of vertebrates, as well as in the field of Botany.In many cases, it is challenging for a single researcher to obtain resources for the acquisition of permanent material, especially related to high-cost equipment. EMU proposals allow for the optimization of financial resources, providing an excellent alternative to ensure that researchers increasingly have access to techniques and methodologies for the development and advancement of their research, contributing to the appreciation and growth of national science. Thus, in the current proposal, the acquisition of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (EchoMRI") and Ultrasound (LOGIQ and R8) equipment will contribute to the advancement of associated and complementary projects in terms of international scientific competitiveness. In this sense, the acquisition of the two pieces of equipment will not only benefit the projects involved in the proposal but also other projects that may benefit from these technologies in the future.Therefore, the centralization of these pieces of equipment in the Multi-User Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology (LMBCM) at the Institute of Biology of Unicamp will bring undeniable impacts to research in the state of São Paulo, through the advancement of knowledge in a wide range of scientific areas. The LMBCM was set up with resources from FAPESP and FINEP and serves the scientific community by providing services with state-of-the-art equipment in the field of cellular and molecular biology, through online scheduling via the link: https://www.ib.unicamp.br/lmbcm/. The laboratory also has a specialized technical staff for training and guidance on equipment usage. Therefore, the importance and feasibility of the current proposal are demonstrated, considering the impact that these pieces of equipment will bring in terms of advances, both nationally and internationally, in research in the state of São Paulo and the institutional support that already exists with the operational structure of the Laboratory. (AU)