Events Calendar

Seminar in Biomedical Engineering

Speaker: Daniel Holland, PhD (Postdoctoral Fellow) & Thai Truong, PhD (Senior Scientist), Translational Imaging Center (USC Dornsife & Viterbi, Fraser Lab)

Talk Title: Light sheet microscopy - a versatile tool for biological imaging

Abstract: Biological research has always dreamed of being able to image every single cell in a live intact multicellular system, quantify the cellular behavior and gene expressions, follow the interactions among cells and between cells and the environment, and use the collected information to build a quantitative and predictive understanding. We will present our efforts toward realizing this dream, utilizing the unique imaging platform of light sheet microscopy, also known as selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). As the name implies, SPIM uses a planar sheet of light to illuminate a sample, generating fluorescence over a thin optical section of the sample that is then collected by a wide-field imaging camera oriented orthogonal to the light sheet. We will explain how this simple twist in illumination geometry allows SPIM to have distinct advantages over conventional optical imaging techniques in imaging, at cellular resolution or better, live, fast, and/or large biological samples. We will describe past, current, and future work in our lab in developing and applying this imaging technology, including looking at morphogent gradient dynamics in developing embryos; dynamic motion of developing embryonic hearts; and understanding the synaptic neuroplasticity involved in sleep/wake and learning.

Host: Stanley Yamashiro

Location: OHE 122

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Mischalgrace Diasanta