Available for licensing is a closed chamber that provides an environment for long-term culture of stem cells, stems cells of central nervous system (CNS) origin, embryonic stem cells, and other cells. The chamber is designed with top and bottom mounted cover slips that permit the observation of cells in culture under an optical microscope. This chamber has the ability to control volume and pressure of liquids and gases by an inlet tube and outlet tubes at two different vertical positions. The chamber also includes a ball joint assembly that allows for the manipulation of a glass microcapillary/microelectrode to come in close contact with the developing cells. This microcapillary/microelectrode assembly can be used to either administer growth factors (e.g., monitoring growth factor levels such as BMP and CNTF) and also for electrical recording from the cells.