American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting, Booth #306

WASHINGTON - December 12, 2001 - With Applied Precision's CoolSNAP upgrade for its DeltaVision^® Restoration Microscopy System, life scientists are able to conduct three-dimensional time-lapse studies with shorter exposure times and more frequent exposure opportunities, allowing them to capture a more complete picture of intracellular activity. Applied Precision's DeltaVision system now offers live-cell researchers the shortest exposure time of any microscopy system on the market with the greatest molecular-level resolution available.

Improved and more frequent image sampling over time dramatically increases the chance that a researcher might discover a new key structure or function occurring in the cell they are viewing. "Knowing the ever-increasing importance of temporal resolution to our customers, we have adapted Roper Scientific's impressive CoolSNAP HQ^TM Monochrome camera so that researchers conducting live-cell microscopy can have the best technology available," remarked Brent Navran, product line manager for biotechnology solutions at Applied Precision.

Able to image at up to 20 frames per second, early users have observed that the CoolSNAP upgrade reduces exposure time from 175 milliseconds to 20-50 milliseconds. By reducing exposure time, Applied Precision's upgrade reduces cell-damaging photobleaching effects which have a substantial impact on overall temporal resolution in live-cell imaging. Reduced exposure time allows for observation of live cells for a longer period of time. Early users who could previously expect only 20 minutes of viewing time before a cell deteriorated can now regularly observe 60 minutes of quality viewing before the photobleaching effect takes over.

The CoolSNAP upgrade also offers DeltaVision customers a substantial increase in image intensity so that images are clearer and not overshadowed by background noise. "With the remarkable image quality that the CoolSNAP camera delivers, researchers can learn more from their live-cell image studies than ever before, and have confidence that the imaging from their DeltaVision is as accurate a depiction of cellular reality as is possible," explains Navran.

M.I.T. Biology Professor Peter Sorger's lab is an early pilot site for the CoolSNAP upgrade. Dr. Sorger's lab watches important chromosomes that very quickly oscillate back and forth during cell division. Being able to view the cell for a longer period of time increases the chances of accurately capturing the chromosomes at the extremes of their movement.

Applied Precision's CoolSNAP upgrade utilizes the value provided by Roper Scientific's CoolSNAP HQ Monochrome camera, which incorporates cooled CCD technology and low-noise electronics to achieve superior low-light sensitivity. The camera comes equipped with a Sony ICX285 progressive scan CCD chip with a 1392 X 1040 imaging pixel matrix. High resolution is achieved with 6.45 X 6.45 micron pixel size ensuring that each image shows extraordinary detail. These features, along with a high-speed digitizer and shutterless operation make the CoolSNAP HQ Monochrome camera ideal for high-resolution microscopy applications.

The DeltaVision will now ship with the CoolSNAP HQ Monochrome Camera as a standard feature. The Roper CH350 CCD High Resolution Camera with the Kodak KAF 1401E CCD chip will continue to be available as a solution for high-resolution fixed cell microscopy. Additionally, the DeltaVision system allows mounting of two cameras, making the system ideal for core facilities that must meet the needs of multiple investigators.

About Applied Precision, Inc.

Applied Precision develops measurement, analysis and process control systems for biomedical and biotechnology imaging and analysis systems (especially live-cell microscopy, genomics and proteomics), semiconductor wafer test, and precision motion control components. Applied Precision's specialized products are based on precisionware^TM, the company's unique convergence of mechanics, electronics, optics and software. Applied Precision, Inc. has been enabling advancements in the world's core technologies since its inception in 1985. Applied Precision (www.appliedprecision.com) can be reached in the United States at (425) 557-1000 or in the United Kingdom at +44 1672 518350.

Contacts:

For Applied Precision
BRW LeGrand
Lisa Miller
Tel: 303.298.8470
E-mail: lmiller@brwlegrand.com