The Zeiss Xradia Versa: A Versatile Tool for Brain Research

The Zeiss Versa turned out to be an extremely useful tool at the Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research. It is used by many different research groups. It produced data that is used as a reference for a brain atlas, enabled whole head vasculature imaging, produced a 3D model for different animal heads for further development of head implants and mounting strategies, and led to the development of a robust staining protocol for serial blockface SEM. This talk will be about the most interesting projects at the MPI for Brain Research that have been facilitated by the Zeiss Versa.

Key Learnings:

• X-ray microscopy is a complimentary technology to many other microscopy techniques used in the neuroscience field
• Non-destructive structural imaging of brain specimens ranging from mouse to bearded dragon to turtle to bobtail squid provides fascinating results
• X-ray microscopy is a useful addition to a central imaging facility