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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://chemistry.nus.edu.sg
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for NUS Chemistry
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TZID:Asia/Singapore
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DTSTART:20200101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20210209T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20210209T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T093700
CREATED:20210204T044018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220329T072510Z
UID:4941-1612868400-1612872000@chemistry.nus.edu.sg
SUMMARY:From molecular machines to brain circuits: Chemistry for reading and controlling information flow by Dr Chen Shuo
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nChemical biology approaches that allow for in vivo recording and modulation of neuronal activities hold the key to understanding how the brain works and developing next-generation therapies for neurological diseases. Despite significant technical progress in synthetic chemistry over the past decades\, the application of synthetic molecules and materials to reading and controlling cognition in the living brain is still in its infancy. In this talk\, I will first introduce the synthesis of a voltage-responsive molecular machine to illustrate how the state-of-the-art of synthetic chemistry has allowed us to create molecular systems whose energy conversion and logic flow can be precisely controlled. I will then show how molecularly tailored artificial actuators\, in particular upconversion nanoparticles\, can be used for non-invasive optical stimulation of specific neurons nestled deep in the brain. This technology\, called NIR upconversion optogenetics\, has allowed for transcranial modulation of various brain functions\, such as evoking dopamine release\, inducing brain oscillations\, and triggering memory recall. Finally\, I will share an example to demonstrate the power of chemical biology approaches\, in particular optogenetics and tissue-clearing technologies\, in making fundamental neuroscience discoveries when combined with physiological and behavioral experiments. Tagging and manipulation of defined neurons have allowed us to identify a previously unknown novelty hub in the mammalian brain that plays an essential role in memory modulation. Collectively\, these works shed light on a new avenue of chemical biology that aims at cutting-edge applications in neuroscience\, ranging from probing how the brain works at molecular and systems levels to modulating brain activities for potential neurological therapies. \nRegister here to attend the session. 
URL:https://chemistry.nus.edu.sg/event/from-molecular-machines-to-brain-circuits-chemistry-for-reading-and-controlling-information-flow-by-dr-chen-shuo/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Seminar,Invited Seminar
ORGANIZER;CN="Department of Chemistry%2C NUS":MAILTO:chemistry-outreach@nus.edu.sg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20210210T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Singapore:20210210T123000
DTSTAMP:20260417T093700
CREATED:20210204T073151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210204T073516Z
UID:4961-1612954800-1612960200@chemistry.nus.edu.sg
SUMMARY:Light up the brain: How chemistry helps read and control the mind by Dr Chen Shuo
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nFor decades\, scientists and physicians have electrically recorded and stimulated neurons deep in the brain with implanted electrodes: The former is known as electrophysiology while the latter represents a major therapy – deep brain stimulation – that is widely used to treat patients with neurological symptoms. However\, these electrical approaches lack cell specificity and are largely invasive. The past decade has witnessed the emergence of optical methods to precisely image and modulate the activities of genetically defined neurons in vivo. In this lecture\, I will introduce two cutting-edge optical approaches\, optogenetics and in vivo imaging\, in neuroscience research. In particular I will highlight how chemistry plays an essential role in generating actuators and sensors for these neurotechnologies. \nOptogenetics harnesses genetically encoded light-gated ion channels\, the so-called rhodopsins\, to optically stimulate target neurons. Variants of rhodopsins with various kinetic and spectral parameters have been developed to activate or inhibit neurons. I will present an example to illustrate how optogenetics is used to interrogate neural circuits for learning and memory. Although optogenetics has revolutionized experimental neuroscience\, for deep brain applications it has a limitation that it requires the insertion of invasive optical fibers. I will discuss our recent work to employ upconversion nanoparticles to shift the optogenetic spectra to the near-infrared region that enables transcranial near-infrared brain stimulation. \nWhile optogenetics is used for neural modulation\, in vivo optical imaging is well applied for recording neuronal activities. Calcium and voltage indicators have been developed to probe neuronal activity\, nanoparticles have been used for tracking molecular transport in neurons\, while two-photon microscopy has enabled deep tissue imaging at a high resolution. These technical advances have allowed real-time functional imaging of neurons in behaving animals\, contributing to the understanding of cognitive processes in the brain such as how memory is encoded. \nFurther development of optical approaches for brain science will require cross-disciplinary collaborations involving chemists who develop molecular sensors and actuators. These achievements will rapidly pave the way not only to a better understanding of how the brain works but also towards a bright therapeutic future for patients with brain diseases. \nRegister here to attend the session.
URL:https://chemistry.nus.edu.sg/event/light-up-the-brain-how-chemistry-helps-read-and-control-the-mind-by-dr-chen-shuo/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Seminar
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