CSM Optogenetics Open Science Miniature Microscopy Workshop

The CSM Open Science Miniature Microscopy Workshop is a wrap! 

Big thanks to all participants for four days of lectures, demos, and hands-on experience. Special shoutouts to Dr. Axel Nimmerjahn from the Salk Institute, our top-notch guest speaker, and workshop lecturers and organizers Drs. Alex Lohman, Tamas Fuzesi, Taylor Chomiak, Jianjun Sun, Leo Molina, and guest lecturers Drs Frank Visser, Rebecca Fallon, and Shay Neufeld. We'd like to send out a very special thanks to the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute, Campus Alberta Neuroscience, and Inscopix that made possible bringing students from across Canada. Also, many thanks to Dr. Ibukun Akinrinade and ucalgary's AHU/ARC for their help in creating a true hands-on research experience!

Workshop Content

The workshop takes place in person at the University of Calgary over four days. It includes lectures, seminars, demonstrations, and some hands-on work. Topics include:

• Introduction to Miniature Microscopy
  • Genetically encoded biosensors and optogenetic proteins
  • Model systems and delivery methods
  • General principles and limitations of miniature microscopy
• Miniature Microscopy Data Collection
  • Basic concepts of data collection
  • Pairing recordings with behavioural analyses
  • Combinations with optogenetic stimulation
  • Multi-site and multi-colour recordings
• Surgical Demonstrations
  • GRIN lens implantation
  • Imaging as a targeting aid
  • Post-operative care
• Experimental Demonstrations
  • Scruff-free animal handling training
  • In vivo recording on neuronal activity of freely behaving mice
• Miniature Microscopy Data Analysis
  • Data pre-processing
  • ROI definition
• Data Interpretation
  • Signal analysis
  • Computational modelling