BioCam QPM Research Awards Contest

The BioCam QPM Research Awards were created to spur biologically important applications of Quantitative Phase Microscopy (QPM) technology. 

We at 4D believe QPM can have a broad impact on the advancement of biology and drug discovery. Therefore, we are challenging the scientific community to submit proposals regarding advanced applications for QPM technology. We are seeking applications within any field of life science and biology including (but not limited to) quantitative bio-imaging, biophysics, drug discovery, pharma, biotechnology, stem cells, diagnosis, cytometry, morphology, and cell mechanics.

Up to three winning researchers or organizations will receive $2,000 cash prizes for submitting the winning proposals. In addition, if appropriate to the application, 4D Technology will provide on-site use of a BioCam Quantitative Phase Microscope, along with support personnel and training, to validate the application and acquire data appropriate for a long-term research proposal. 4D Technology will gladly coauthor papers and collaborate on grants or other funding opportunities to further promote research in this applications space.

The competition is open to all researchers and organizations who can demonstrate a unique and original application for Quantitative Phase Microscopy.

Click here to apply using our online application form (or click here for the mobile friendly version).

You will also be able to submit supporting documents such as drawings, illustrations, photos, references, etc.

Applications should not include any information considered proprietary by you or your organization. If more information is required, 4D Technology may contact entrants for additional details. The contest rules are available here.

A panel of PhD scientists from 4D Technology will evaluate all entries to determine the winner(s). We prefer applications in which quantitative phase provides unique information not available via other techniques, applications with a large impact on advancing biological studies, and applications with a potentially broad diagnostic, clinical or research applications.

Submissions will be accepted from 15 April to 31 May, 2014.

Winners will be notified by 30 June 2014. 

Learn more about the BioCam Quantitative Phase Microscope on our web site.

Our Research Blog includes videos of the BioCam in action and results from several recent applications projects.

Live Cell Measurements: Oligodendrocytes, Myocytes and Myoblasts

4D Technology recently measured various live cells while the BioCam Quantitative Phase Microscope was on site at a pharmaceutical research organization. Here are several of the videos—we are in the process of quantifying various aspects of these experiments.

Oligodendrocytes measured over 30 minutes with data taken once per minute. Stretching, contraction, and bending of the various processes (branches) can be observed over this time frame.

Myocytes measured over a 211x211 um field of view. The beginning of the cell fusion process is observed as well as flapping of the plasma membranes as the cells stretch and reorient themselves in preparation for fusion. This time series was taken at 10 second intervals.

Myoblasts with multiple bursts measured at 10 frames/second over a period of an hour showing vesicles moving through the cell.

4D Presentation at BIOS San Francisco, Feb. 6

Dr. Goldie Goldstein will be presenting “Quantitative Phase Microscopy: How to Make Phase Data Meaningful” at BIOS in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb 6, 10:50-11:10am in Room 304 (Esplanade). Please join Drs. Goldstein and Creath for this informative presentation. If you’d like to arrange a time to meet them separately you can e-mail kathy.creath@4dtechnology.com.

4D Presentation at Quantitative BioImaging Conference

In January Dr. Kathy Creath and Dr. Goldie Goldstein presented “Real-Time Quantitative Optical Volume Measurement of Dynamic Cellular Motion” at the Quantitative BioImaging Conference in Albuquerque. The conference was an excellent venue to explore how quantitative phase microscopy can be used in conjunction with other techniques to extract more information from studies.