Meet Marko Pende, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Murawala lab at MDI Biological Laboratory.

Marko investigates limb regeneration in axolotls, and is also an award-winning science photographer who's inventing new ways to "clear" sample tissues, making them transparent for easier viewing.

This fall, with his colleagues in the Light Microscopy Facility, Pende is building a new microscope (mesoSPIM), one of only four of its kind in the US - that will produce cleaner, brighter 3D images. This mesoSPIM will push the boundaries of science by allowing scientists to visualize and measure greater levels of detail than ever before and changing our understanding of how cells communicate and respond to disease or injury.

The impact of these technological advances will be felt around the state of Maine and beyond as we build an innovative imaging service available to scientists and students nationwide. With your help, we will continue to explore the unknown, gaining new insights into how to treat and prevent life-threatening disease.

We have a generous donor who has agreed to match dollar for dollar the funds raised on Giving Tuesday. Can we count on your support?

Philanthropic support from donors like you fosters creativity and innovation and helps change the way we see the world. Help us ensure Marko and his colleagues have the freedom they need to explore new ideas, make ground-breaking discoveries and, ultimately, improve human health.