BrainSaw is open source: you can convert an existing two-photon microscope or build a BrainSaw from scratch. This page lists the routes to a BrainSaw, the help on offer, and example data to try first. Once running, a BrainSaw takes about 45 minutes to set up and then images unattended, sectioning up to six mouse brains a day.
Routes to a BrainSaw
- Convert an existing two-photon to BrainSaw by adding stages and a vibratome
- Upgrade a TissueCyte 1000 to BrainSaw
- Build BrainSaw from scratch
Build & Support
The SWC Advanced Microscopy Facility can advise at every stage of a build, from funding applications and initial planning to choosing parts, building, setting up, and troubleshooting. Hands-on help with the build may also be possible. Software problems and feature requests go to the BakingTray and StitchIt issue trackers on GitHub.
Try the data first
Example BrainSaw datasets are free to download from Zenodo.
- GAD tdTomato mouse brain: all GABAergic neurons labelled, at 2.5 × 2.5 × 5 µm.
- SST tdTomato mouse brain: somatostatin neurons, at 1.2 × 1.2 × 5 µm.
- Dense bulk projections: a mouse brain with GFP and mCherry viral injections (25 µm volume only).
- Whole rat brain: GFP from a systemic AAV, at 2.2 × 2.2 × 7 µm.
- Mouse spleen: three-colour Confetti labelling of germinal centres, imaged with two lasers.
Contact
Email rob.campbell@ucl.ac.uk.