QBI Neuroscience Seminar: 'Understanding brain circuits using nanotechnology and photonic tools'
Event Details
- Date:
- Monday, 08 May 2017
- Time:
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Room:
- QBI Level 7 Auditorium
- UQ Location:
- Queensland Brain Institute (St Lucia)
- URL:
- http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/neuroscience-seminars
- Event category(s):
Event Contact
- Name:
- Ms Deirdre Wilson
- Phone:
- 3346 6300
- Email:
- d.wilson5@uq.edu.au
- Org. Unit:
- Queensland Brain Institute
Event Description
- Full Description:
- Dr Vincent Daria
Fellow, Group Leader (Neurophotonics Group)
ANU College of Medicine, Biology and Environment
Title: Title: Understanding brain circuits using nanotechnology and photonic tools
Abstract:
In this talk, I will outline the use of patterned light and nanostructured devices to understand how neurons function and form circuits. To analyse the function of single neurons, we use light not only to visualise these neurons but also to stimulate and record neuronal activity. We produce light patterns using a programmable hologram, which projects multiple foci from a single laser. Each focus can be used as a light probe to stimulate and/or record neuronal activity. To analyse the development of multiple neurons forming circuits, we artificially grow cortical neurons on nanowire scaffolds. From a fundamental perspective, we aim to investigate the structural significance of nanoscale topographies for guiding neurite outgrowth and analyse its function using light. To achieve this, we use electron microscopy to monitor neuronal growth and optically record the network activity using a calcium indicator. We show that isotropic arrangements of indium phosphide nanowires guide neurite growth and aid in forming circuits with neighbouring neurons. Multiple neurons with neurites guided by the topography of the nanowire scaffolds exhibit synchronised calcium activity, implying intercellular communications via synaptic connections. Light in combination with nanostructured devices could provide new insights on the function of individual neurons as well as formation of neuronal circuits in the brain.
Directions to UQ
- Google Map:
-
- Directions:
- St Lucia Campus | Gatton campus.
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