# Instrument Grant for Truelive 3D

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2024 · $942,983

## Abstract

Abstract
The ease of access to quantitative imaging technologies such as laser-scanning confocal microscopy
has ushered in a revolution in our understanding of the inner workings of cells. However, despite the
subcellular resolution afforded by such microscopes, confocal microscopes cannot image with such
resolution over the large volumes of cells that reside in the context of multicellular organisms, large
organoids, and tissue explants without significant photobleaching or photodestruction. This grant seeks
to acquire a light-sheet microscope that is optimized for fast 3D multi-sample volumetric
imaging of delicate live specimens in their native environment, the Bruker Luxendo TruLive3D Imager.
The TruLive3D is especially suited for multi-position imaging of mouse preimplantation embryos, fly
embryos and zebrafish embryos, enabling rapid time-lapse, high-throughput imaging experiments using
live specimens. The TruLive 3D imager is particularly appealing to our User Group comprised of
developmental biologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists—all experts in imaging— who aim to
overcome the current imaging limitation to define and characterize novel cellular processes. The optical
concept of the TruLive3D, the dual-sided illumination and single-lens detection from below, along with
the unique design of the sample holding vessels, and the ability to multiplex, enable easy-to-use,
extremely fast high-resolution imaging with minimal phototoxicity. Additionally, the combined
improvements in image quality, sensitivity, temporal resolution, and reduced bleaching greatly improve
the accuracy of image segmentation, tracking, and measurement of signaling dynamics, cell
movements, and cell divisions. TruLive3D’s unique multi-well sample holder makes loading and
imaging of multiple live specimens easy and quick, allowing for prolonged imaging experiments of
otherwise challenging to image samples.
The Trulive3D is one of the most versatile systems that can advance our cellular and subcellular
understanding of various developmental, physiological and pathological processes. Labs working on fly,
zebrafish and mammalian embryogenesis and human/mouse organoids can benefit from this light
sheet microscope system to image readouts of signaling dynamics, subcellular dynamics, and cell
behaviors in the context of diverse developmental and physiological processes in live specimen. Our
User Group includes Drs. Lin He, Ian Swinburne, Hernan Garcia, Xavier Darzacq, Rebecca Heald,
Samantha Lewis, David Bilder, Ellen Robey, Sanjay Kumar, Richard Harland, Teresa Puthussery and
Mengmeng Fu, who all require this system in order to continue their important research. Most of these
investigators are in the Molecular and Cell Biology department, as well as from Physics,
Bioengineering, and the School of Optometry, signaling that this will be a useful instrument across the
campus.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10854001
- **Project number:** 1S10OD036267-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** Lin He
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $942,983
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10854001

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10854001, Instrument Grant for Truelive 3D (1S10OD036267-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10854001. Licensed CC0.

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