Masonic Medical Research Lab purchases new state-of-the-art microscope
-->By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: September 20, 2012
There's a new piece of technology that will help area scientists learn more about a vital organ in our bodies.
It's a confocal microscope that will help scientists find more innovative treatments and perform groundbreaking research on the heart. Not only that, it will allow professionals help train the next generation of scientists.
"Heart disease is the leading cause of death so the more research we have in this area the quicker we can find solutions to the problems that we face," said Dr. Charles Antzelevitch.
The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory has bought a new piece of cutting-edge technology that can potentially make significant discoveries in heart disease and other cardiac related issues.
Experts say the confocal microscope can help them better understand dysfunctions of the heart and find ways to reverse the effects and in turn, "we can provide an effective treatment and hopefully one day find a cure," said Dr. Antzelevitch.
The researchers will focus on abnormal rhythms of the heart, also known as cardiac arrhythmia which can be benign or life-threatening. One area cardiologist says he deals with these types of patients on a daily basis.
He says this will not only potentially change lives of Central New York residents, but across the globe. "Research here helps us as far as the economy locally but the benefits are international. The research here is felt around the world. We are all dealing with the arrhythmia. Cardiologists from around the world," said Dr. Fred Talarico.
And not only that, it will help prepare area students for the future. "One of the key features that you need to know as an up and coming scientist is using high tech modern equipment and even as a undergrad or high school student it's hard to access that equipment," said Dr. Matthew Betzenhauser.
The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory would not have been able to purchase this piece of technology without the help from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida counties.
