A unique collaboration between the Museum of Western Colorado and C.M.U. launched on Thursday morning.

Officials said resources at both institutions are being used to explore various historical and scientific mysteries throughout our region.

Investigations will take place in a new laboratory at the museum, housing $18,000 worth of digital and optical microscopes that were recently donated.

Aside from all of the high-tech microscopes, there's also a 3-D touch screen that allows students to rotate images they collect beneath the microscope slide; offering deeper analysis than before.

The Dujay Laboratory, located in the basement of the Museum of Western Colorado, won't just be available to C.M.U. students. Other museums, schools and partner groups such as the Bureau of Land Management will be able to utilize the equipment as well.

Directors say the new equipment will start an exciting new chapter for the museum.

"Museums historically collect and preserve history, [the new lab] is making it possible for us to investigate and discover aspects of history that have puzzled us, throughout the years," said Peter Booth, executive director for the Museum of Western Colorado.

The new laboratory was made possible through a generous donation from Dr. Dujay and his family.

Dr. Dujay is the director of the Electron Microscopy Lab at Colorado Mesa University.

The Museum of Western Colorado is located at 462 Ute Avenue in Grand Junction.