Project Overview

“The face is a picture of the mind with the eyes as its interpreter” (Marcus Tullius Cicero). While the eyes are commonly considered windows into the soul, they can also teach us vital information about our brains and immunology. For example, the small capillaries within the eye allow for non-invasive imaging of a single immune cell in its natural environment. Innovative optics like this are currently being pursued at the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA). The alliance includes talented researchers from the Flaum Eye Institute, the Center for Visual Science, and The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. Ongoing projects include in-vivo retinal imaging of rodent models, studying immune cell behavior, and assessing metabolic flux. These projects yield incredible visuals like the image below.

Figure taken from the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance Image Gallery

During imaging, it is critical that the mouse’s temperature is closely regulated to ensure any observed changes are due to disease pathways rather than denatured enzymes. At the same time, the mouse’s safety must be considered. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the apparatus are restricting. As a result, commercially available thermoregulatory systems are too bulky or inflexible to fit in the stage. Another concern with commercial heating systems is that they are designed for use in lighted conditions while retinal imaging requires minimal outside light to maximize signals. Our team aims to design a custom rodent thermoregulator that addresses the limitations of the commercial models. An ideal design would maintain basal temperature through a closed control system, allow monitoring of temperature and vitals throughout the imaging process, and record collected data to the primary computer. Additionally, close attention would be paid to appropriate sizing, functionality in a darkened environment, and compatibility with the current imaging systems. By the end of the design process, our team plans to provide a functioning prototype to be used in ongoing immunology research at the ARIA.