Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core

History

Electron microscopy at Mayo Clinic began in 1959 when the institution purchased an RCA 3 electron microscope for Dr. Arnold Brown, a Mayo pathologist. That first year, 146 samples (about 50 percent clinical diagnostic and 50 percent biomedical research) were processed for TEM examination.

This original electron microscopy lab evolved to include three transmission electron microscopes and one field emission scanning electron microscope and two processing facilities (the Microscopy and Cell Analysis Core and its sister facility, the Renal Biopsy Laboratory). In 2003, more than 6,000 samples were processed for transmission or scanning electron microscopy.


"Science is for life, not Life for Science."
Herbert Spencer

"Perhaps the most striking feature of Balfour Hall
is the large stained glass window at the east end of the room"

In a modern laboratory setting, two students operate an electron microscope, suggesting the role of physics, chemistry and relates sciences in preventive medicine.

In 1943, when Balfour Hall was renovated, it was apparent that the east window could be adapted for stained glas and designed to blend with the medical history motif of the room. The full display consists of three vertical windows each containing four sections; one on top of the other. The man at the electron microscope comprises the top of the right window.


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