In support of a range of needs common to the biological, physical, and social sciences, the Department of Biomaterials & Biomimetics, New York University College of Dentistry, has developed a state-of-the-art laboratory uniquely purposed to address aspects of how humans and their biome influence one another. Many interactions that we have with the environment "fossilize" into our bones and teeth as chemical and microstructural changes, therefore one of the laboratory's specialties is hard tissue biology.  Its other special focus is the detection of all elements across the spectrum of the periodic table that make up the biotic and abiotic materials of our biome, such as contained in the waters we depend upon and in the biological and geological materials of our natural and synthetic ecosystems.

The unique concept of this laboratory we call "biomics", which is a systems approach to the study of our biome.  The Human Biomics Laboratory (HBL) is equally centered on the present as it is in the past, and now opens its doors to interested communities of private and public researchers and citizens in areas of human biomics and paleobiomics. 

The HBL is an advanced technology development laboratory.  Where analytical technology is needed, we work to develop algorithms for assessment and visualization; e.g. spectral analysis, machine learning.  If a hardware technology is required, we try to adapt or manufacture the technology; e.g., portable confocal microscopy, high resolution tree ring/sauropod long bone imaging system.
 
The HBL prepares specimens for correlative evaluation by a number of 2D and 3D light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy technologies, providing gigapixel resolution and assessment of relatively large specimens for interpretation. These capabilities are combined with diagnostic instruments such as FTIR for molecular characterization, and x-ray microanalysis for localization of chemical elements. 

Finally, a key characteristic of the HBL is the attention served to the quality of its research products.  The adage, ‘garbage in, garbage out’, is true of any research endeavor; e.g., with poor specimen preparation we can expect poor images.  We employ a number of preparation, imaging, and diagnostic protocols, all of which have been fine tuned over several decades to maximize the potential for revealing characteristics important for specific research problems.  This is combined with HBL's visualization policy, which is that every image we produce and provide to the viewing public must have the most powerful scientific and aesthetic content that our experience allows.  Care taken to provide such images demonstrates care taken with the research in general, which ensures a level of confidence in the results of our research that is earned.

The HBL is one of the few laboratories in the world to have laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for simultaneous isotopic characterization of the entire elemental mass spectrum from both solutions and solids with minimal or no preparation.  Additional NYUCD resources available to the HBL include micro- and nano-CT, x-ray diffraction, and a variety of tissue culture and molecular biology laboratories. Combining all of these resources into one vision permits the HBL to offer a variety of perspectives on specific research ventures.