SAN DIEGO, June 23 -- Jmar Technologies Inc., a developer of laser-based equipment for imaging, analysis and fabrication at the nanoscale, has installed a beta model of its new Scanning CAM (computer-aided microscopy) system at the University of Vermont College of Medicine (UVM) Microscopy Imaging Center to evaluate its applications in thick-tissue pathology research and studies of whole-animal models. The system, which is based on Jmar's scanning boom technology, provides an open viewing area to accommodate large or thick samples. Software developed by Jmar converts the high-magnification scanned images into a low magnification mosaic for viewing at the macro scale with the ability to zoom into areas of interest at high magnification. Computer-aided microscopy controls allow the operator to dynamically vary the magnification while selecting any area of interest in the displayed mosaic image at magnifications up to 3100X. Jmar said the Scanning CAM represents a major departure from conventional microscopy systems because it can perform detailed software analysis of scanned imagery from samples that would not fit into a typical microscope. The new all-digital system integrates the capabilities of several types of specialty microscopes, making it suitable for applications including well-plate bioassays, library-based image searches of pathology samples or whole-animal models, analysis of material samples such as powders or metals, failure analysis of materials or structures, and forensic studies of large nonplanar samples. "This unique system will allow institutions or organizations with limited funds or laboratory space to purchase a single instrument that will allow them to conduct high-quality research or educational studies without the requirements for multiple, specialty microscopes," said Scott McLeod, project manager and inventor of the scanning boom system. Researchers at UVM's Center for Microscopy will evaluate the Scanning CAM, intially for tissue pathology applications, and other departments will be invited to evaluate it for use in metallurgy, material science, chemistry, biology, biopaleontology, geology, forensics and failure analysis. The system, previously referred to as the Oasis Project, is expected to be available to the general market later this year. For more information, visit: www.jmar.com