LearningLabs
Colors of Life: New Frontiers of Microscopy
EMBL Monterotondo, 1 - 3 March 2010
Participants
Aims
Direct observation has been the most long-lived approach to the study of living organisms. The introduction of optical devices enabling scientists to observe how cells behave and organize in vitro as well as in vivo has greatly contributed to our current understanding of several critical biological processes.
The main objective of this course was to offer the participants the possibility to explore the features and power of state-of-the-art modern microscopy and to elaborate strategies aimed at introducing microscopy-based approach into their educational activity. Participants met scientists involved in the use of cutting-edge microscopy approaches and techniques and participated to a series of laboratory practical experiences based on the evaluation of microscopy preparations.
Day 1
After an initial presentation of the intellectual framework behind this course and an overview of the planned activities, Prof. Alberto Diaspro, from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), introduced the participants to the technological and theoretical sophisticated features of modern microscopy.
The seminar of Prof. Diaspro, opened the way to the following seminar given by the EMBL scientist Peter Lenart, from the group of Jan Ellenberg at EMBL Heidelberg. Peter presented some critical and intriguing examples showing how fine microscopy techniques and sophisticated reconstruction algorithms, made available to modern microscopy, allowed him to reconstruct the events underlying actin cytoskeleton reorganization occurring during oocyte fertilization in marine invertebrates.
Following the morning seminars, Anna Pascucci, from the Italian Association of Science Teachers (ANISN), presented two laboratory activities, originally developed under the Volvox project, which have been successfully translated into classroom at European-wide level. With the help of Carmen Bergamasco and Rossella Annunziata, the participants could reproduce the experimental approach to study fertilization in the marine invertebrate sea urchin, and could observe and study physiology and mating in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans.
The first day was then ended with the first steps of a two-day laboratory experience developed and presented by Rosa Paolicelli, currently PhD student in the lab of Cornelius Gross, at EMBL Monterotondo. The activity was based on the study of microglia development and function in maturing rodent brain, and offered the possibility to reproduce a Fluorescence Immuno-staining experiment from beginning to the end.
Day 2
During this second day, a seminar was given by an emerging scientist from the Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences in Heidelberg; Dr. Petra Haas presented a truly capturing snapshot of her most recent research. She showed how using fine laser-assisted microscopy techniques scientists can not only describe but also intercept cellular collective behaviours to understand how, within an otherwise undistinguishable pool of cells, functional diversities arise and to what extent cells must obey to plastic behaviours.
The rest of the day was entirely dedicated to laboratory activities. Teachers were asked to participate to a traditional histological protocol, on cardiac tissue samples prepared by Caterina Catela, former PhD student at EMBL Monterotondo in the group of Nadia Rosenthal. This module was designed by Rossana De Lorenzi and Tommaso Nastasi, ELLS education officers, to explore the topics of cardiac function and cardiac failure through an inquiry-based approach. The participants were asked not only to run the experiment itself, but also to work as teams to explore the topic, elaborate and test hypotheses, analyse and discuss results. Laser-assisted Confocal laser Microscopy observations and general discussions on microscopy, educational and histology practical resources completed this very intense and rich day.
Day 3
Julien Colombelli, Manager of the Advanced Digital Microscopy Core Facility at Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Barcelona (Spain), discussed how highly sophisticated hardware equipment and supporting software applications enable today’s’ scientists to operate at cellular level using lasers as subcellular level scalpels in order to describe intracellular mechanisms in vivo.
The seminar of Pedro Moreira, Head of EMBL Monterotondo Transgenic Facility, introduced the participants to the final part of the course, aimed at showing modern microscopy practical applications. The first demonstration, presented by Pedro Moreira and Laura Tatangelo, showed the use of microscopy for the microinjection of sperm and oocytes.
The second demonstration was prepared and presented by Dr. Mauro Baron, from Leica Microsystem, who showed how laser microdissection microscopy systems can be used for the specific preparation of microscopical samples. Mauro also showed the different applications where such systems find their ideal collocation, such as research and therapy, diagnostic medicine, legal medicine.
Final remarks
Based on the several positive feedbacks given by the participants during and after the course, this course was definitely a very successful one. It was a very important opportunity for ELLS to discuss educational approaches and difficult topics to tackle in current science curricula. We would like to acknowledge the very qualified and friendly participants, who have shown great interest and curiosity at all levels, towards seminars, discussions and practical activities, and our kind supporters at Leica Microsystems Inc.