Used for hair and nail cortisol extractions.
BioBehavioral Research Lab
Storrs
School of Nursing
The Biobehavioral Research Lab (BBL) provides UConn faculty and students with new avenues to explore biobehavioral science, using state-of-the-art technology to further their understanding of the intersections of biology and behavior. The BBL is committed to supporting and promoting research in the use of biobehavioral measures and physiological, genetic, and genomic approaches. We offer dry lab spaces at both the UConn Storrs campus and UCHC with the ability to conduct human subjects research (e.g., interviews, behavioral assessment, intervention administration) and collect samples (e.g., blood, saliva samples, buccal swabs). Our wet lab on UConn Storrs campus accommodates short- and long-term sample storage, sample pre-processing (such as blood components separation and DNA or RNA extraction), and sample analyses for both human and animal samples. Our lab specializes in ELISAs to quantify numerous hormones, antibodies, and proteins, and an assortment of thermocycler and real-time PCR techniques including SNP genotyping.
Facility HomepageContacts
Campus Address
Storrs Campus
Wet Lab: Charles Lewis Beach Hall Rms 127-131
Dry Lab: Jamie Homero Arjona Bldg Rm 123, 119
UCHC Farmington Dry Lab: Located in the Dental Care Clinic
Mailing Address
354 Mansfield Rd., Unit 1045
Storrs, CT 06269
Resources
Quantative Sensory Equipment
- Algomed Computerized Pressure Algometer
- Medoc Pathway
- Medoc TSA II
- Neurometer (neuroslective sensory nerve conduction threshold)
- Weighted Probes (tips between 8mm – 512m)
Participant Sample Collection and Physical Exam Space
- Private blood collection area
- Biospecimen collection space
- Sit-&-Reach Table and Tanita Scale
- Large Space for Movement Based Intervention
Beach Hall: QIAcube Connect
For automated purification of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
VERSAmax Plate Reader: ELISA
ELLA
Automated immunoassay with multiplexing capabilities.
Step-One Plus RT-PCR
For SNP Genotyping and other genetic assays.
Bio-Rad Thermal Cycler
BioSpectrometer
Qubit Flex Fluorometer
Used for hair and nail cortisol extractions.
Invitrogen E-Gel Electrophoresis Device & Camera
-80 Freezers
Short or long-term storage available.
Liquid Nitrogen Cryotank
Services
What support does BBL offer researchers?
The Biobehavioral Research Laboratory aims to support the different projects of UConn faculty and students by providing:
- Space for the recruitment of participants and data collection.
- One room approved by EHS to collect biological samples, such as blood, saliva, and buccal swabs.
- A second room for physical examination, behavioral assessment, or interviews.
- Staff to organize and clean research areas following applicable UConn EH&S regulations.
- Access to shared calendars to schedule participant appointments.
- Guidelines on how to collect biological samples and store them.
- Transportation of samples from the behavioral lab in Arjona Hall to our wet lab in Beach Hall for storage and processing.
- Staff available between 8:30am to 5:00pm to assist in case of emergencies when you are with your participant.
Which services does BBL offer for a fee?
The Biobehavioral Research Laboratory constantly looks to improve and add to our list of services. If you do not see what you are interested in below, please reach out to discuss with us! We offer service validations whenever possible.
Related to participant recruitment and data collection:
- Bio-specimen collection (blood, saliva, buccal swabs)
- Blood collection kits and sample label printing services
- Quantitative sensory testing (QST) – pain threshold assessment with temperature, vibration, and pressure
- Equipment use training
- Protocol set up
- REDCAP and Qualtrics project setup
Related to samples processing:
- Sample pre-processing (sample aliquoting, blood components separations)
- DNA and RNA extraction and quantification from biological samples
- SNP genotyping (TaqMan existing assays)
- ELISA test in Ella Simple Plex (one or multiple analytes at a time), or traditional ELISAs in plate reader
- PCR and gel electrophoresis
- Sample storage (limited to available space)