[Histonet] "Flying" brains !!

[RCHIOVETTI <@t> aol.com]

In a message dated 2/28/2005 12:44:37 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
dholmes <@t> anatomy.umsmed.edu writes:

> HELP!  a colleague is cutting rat brains on a cryostat and is having a
> terrible time with static causing the sections to "jump and fly" around
> in the cryo-cabinet.  Has anyone got a remedy for reducing the static ?
> 
> 

Hi,

Yes, there have been several suggestions posted to Histonet re: this problem. 
 If I recall correctly, some of the solutions have been related to the 
clothing and the shoes that are worn when working at the cryostat.  Someone 
suggested gently breathing on the block face (probably a humidity effect), and someone 
else suggested placing a fabric softener (the sheet type) in the chamber.  
Placing a small beaker of 80% ethanol in the cabinet also seems to work well.

You can retrieve the postings by going to:
<www.histosearch.com>.

In the search box, type the following:
static electricity cryostat

Good luck, hope this helps!

Bob Chiovetti



Robert (Bob) Chiovetti, Ph.D.
Independent Consultant for The Science, Biomedical and Industrial Sectors
132 North Elster Drive
Tucson, AZ 85710-3212 USA
Tel./Fax 520-546-4986
Member, Arizona Small Business Association - ASBA