Training Modules

Students will learn about labeling methods and neuroanatomy in the brain. They will be introduced to the concept of cell types and how they are defined. They will be able to visualize actual brain samples that have undergone expansion microscopy to gain a more realistic perception on neuron morphology.

Fundamental concepts of microscopy using fly and mouse brain tissue will be covered. Students will learn the principles, strengths, and weaknesses of different imaging approaches while getting hands-on experience using different types of microscopes to image brain tissue. Students will also get to see and learn about the custom microscopes built by the Cai lab.

Students will learn about antibody-antigen interaction and its application for molecular profiling in brain tissues. The pipeline includes tissue dissection, PFA fixation, washes, and antibody incubation. Both fly and mouse brain tissue will be utilized in this module. 

Students will learn the basics of DAB staining and nissl counterstain. After students stain their mouse brain tissue, they’ll image it and then use the Allen Brain Atlas to identify and map their tissue section to the correct brain region.

Students will learn the basic electrical properties of neurons and how these properties can be used to create brain-machine interfaces (BMI). Students will experiment with neuron recording and assemble a BMI device to utilize facial muscles to control a robotic arm. 

Students will be taught how to use micropipettes and electronic balances. Device calibration and material transfer practices will be carried out as preparation for later molecular biology lab work. 

Students will learn the basics of fly genetics. Fly handling and genetic phenotype identification will be carried out under the stereo microscope. From this practice students will learn the power of transgenic flies as research tools to enable the manipulation of animal behavior by light or thermal stimulation.

Students will learn how to handle and care for Drosophila larvae and adults. They will also explore the use of optogenetic (light) and thermogenetic (temperature) stimulation to control fly behavior/locomotion. The students will also learn how to use AI to analyze the behavior recordings.

Students will learn the technique involved in dissecting both a larva and adult fly brain, intact. Lots of practice time will be provided to perfect this difficult skill! 

Students will complete the process of genotyping flies, from squashing to PCR to running and analyzing a gel. Students will also learn how to use genotyping to aid in the process of creating transgenic animals for specific research purposes.

Basic Python scientific packages for biomedical image processing and visualization will be introduced and explored during this module. Students will use images that they collected during the program for analysis practice. Students will also learn how to utilize cutting edge software developed by the Cai lab to trace neurons in 3D. Neural informatics will be introduced to quantify neuronal cell types based on their morphological attributes.

We’ll visit the North Campus Research Complex, where the Cai lab is located, for an in-depth tour of our lab’s facilities, including the microscopy suite designed and built specifically for our lab. We’ll also discuss available opportunities for those who would like to continue working with the lab once Neurons Can Fly has ended.