Masonic Medical Research Lab Gets New Confocal Microscope

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory in Utica has a new microscope- but it's not the kind you're thinking of.

Thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the Cardiac Research Institute was able to purchase a new confocal microscope.

Jan Squadrito, a senior programmer with the Community Foundation, says the microscope will have a major impact in the Utica area.

"Basically, they're using it in their research work," Squadrito said. "One of the things that was important to us is that it's also a great resource for medical personnel in our community to be able to use. So, it helps their patients who are our local residents."

According to the MMRL, the confocal microscope allows researchers to make discoveries and observations in heart disease that they couldn't make before.

To cover the $220,000 price tag, the grant was combined with funds raised during the MMRL's "An Affair of the Heart" charity gala.

This is not the first time the Community Foundation has come to the aid of the research facility.

"The equipment they have to purchase to do their research is amazing," Squadrito said. "They've actually received a little over $620,000 from us over the years, so they have been amongst some of our largest awards. I think one reason is because clearly the type of equipment they need is so expensive."

With the purchase of the confocal microscope, the Cardiac Research Institute becomes one of only a handful of institutes in Central New York to have this technology.