IMAGING STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
July 22 - August 11, 2008
Application Deadline: March 15, 2008

Instructors:
Scott Thompson, University of Maryland
William Tyler, Arizona State University
Jack Waters, Northwestern University

Advances in light microscopy, digital image processing, and the development of a variety of powerful fluorescent probes present expanding opportunities for investigating the nervous system, from synaptic spines to networks in the brain. This intensive laboratory and lecture course will provide participants with the theoretical and practical knowledge to utilize emerging imaging technologies. The primary emphasis of the course will be on vital light microscopy. Students will learn the principles of light microscopy, as well as use of different types of electronic cameras, laser scanning systems, functional fluorophores, delivery techniques, and digital image-processing software. In addition to transmitted light microscopy for viewing cellular motility, the course will examine a variety of molecular probes of cell function, including calcium-sensitive dyes, voltage-sensitive dyes, photo-activated ("caged") compounds, and exocytosis tracers. Issues arising in the combination of imaging with electrophysiological methods will be covered. Particular weight will be given to multi-photon laser scanning microscopy and to newly available biological fluorophores, especially Green-Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and its variants. We will use a spectrum of neural and cell biological systems, including living animals, brain slices, and cultured cells. Applicants should have a strong background in the neurosciences or in cell biology.

Lecturers in the 2007 course included:
Hollis Cline, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Karl Deisseroth, Stanford University
Oliver Griesbeck, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Germany
Kalanit Grill-Spector, Stanford University
Fred Lanni, Carnegie-Mellon University
Jeff Lichtman, Harvard University
Jerome Mertz, Boston University
Venkatesh Murthy, Harvard University
Valentin Naegerl, Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology, Germany
Claudia Racca, Newcastle University, UK
Botond Roska, FMI, Switzerland
Petra Schwille, TU Dresden, Germany
Karel Svoboda, HHMI Janelia Farm Research Campus
Edmund Talley, National Institutes of Health/NINDS
Katrin Willig, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Germany
Xiaowei Zhuang, Harvard University

This course is supported with funds provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Scientists from developing countries accepted into this course may be eligible for scholarships provided by the International Brain Research Organization (Click here for details)

Cost (including board and lodging): $3,850
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