Alzheimer's Club

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc. and Carl Zeiss Surgical, Inc. both based in Thornwood, New York, have made a $100,000 contribution to Barrow Neurological Foundation for use in research projects at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

Carl Zeiss Surgical, Inc. (CZSI) has a long-standing relationship with St. Joseph's Hospital Barrow Neurological Institute and Robert F. Spetzler, M.D. Chair, Neurological Research. This relationship between Carl Zeiss and Dr. Spetzler was a key driving force in the creation of the OPMI(R) Pentero(TM), the revolutionary surgical microscope platform for neurosurgery, spine surgery and neurotology. In 2004, OPMI Pentero received the International Red-Dot Design Award.

"The OPMI Pentero is unlike any other surgical microscope. In addition to providing premiere quality optics, the OPMI Pentero serves as an information and communication platform, allowing the surgeon to incorporate and utilize various types of information and data from multiple sources," explains Michael Brennan, Neurosurgery Marketing Manager at CZSI.

In addition, Barrow researchers will be collaborating with Zeiss on applications for the company's new PALM Laser Microdissection system, a laser-capture microscope that Barrow recently purchased. Barrow will be the first center in Arizona and one of only a few with the Zeiss PALM system used in neuroscience, the most versatile laser microdissection microscopy system currently available.

The PALM MicroBeam system will allow Barrow researchers to capture and dissect extremely small bits of genetic material such as chromosomes, capture cells from cryopreserved and fixed tissues, and isolate live cells from culture. Barrow scientists will use the PALM system in a wide range of neurological research activities, including research into brain cancer, benign meningiomas, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, developmental genetics, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease.

Barrow Neurological Institute is a major academic neuroscience center that is part of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. Barrow Neurological Foundation raises funds in support of the institute.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging is a leader in advanced microscopy systems for research, clinical laboratories, and industry. The company offers all types of microscopes and image analysis systems, including the unique LSM 5 LIVE confocal laser scanning microscope for live cell studies, a winner of 2004 R&D 100 Award.

Carl Zeiss is a leading international group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. Carl Zeiss AG is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Group consists of six business units that operate with sole responsibility. They are generally ranked first or second in the three strategic markets of biomedical research and medical technology, system solutions for semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries, and optical consumer goods such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses and binoculars. The Carl Zeiss Group is directly represented in more than 30 countries and operates production facilities in Europe, America and Asia. In fiscal year 2004/05 (ended September 30) the Carl Zeiss Group generated revenues totaling EUR 2,222 million. It employs 11,500 people across the globe, including 3,300 outside Germany. The eyeglass business has been merged with the US company Sola International and now operates as Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH. This company is owned 50:50 by Carl Zeiss AG and a private equity company. Further information is available at www.zeiss.com.

Source: Business Wire (25 January 2006) [FullText]