The frontiers of biomedical imaging
3D projections from confocal microscopy of chick embryo
Twice a year, the University plays host to one of the world's leaders in the science and technology of imaging as part of an ongoing global lecture series, the Leica Scientific Forum. The most recent guest speaker was Nobel Laureate Professor Roger Tsien of the University of California, San Diego.
Professor Tsien, who studied at both Harvard and Cambridge, has revolutionised the field of biomedical imaging with the creation of visible fluorescent proteins in a whole range of colours, which allows the imaging of multiple proteins and structures in living systems. The figure below shows how fluorescent proteins are used to study cell migration and signaling in embryo development.
During his speech at the forum, attended by over 350 from the Victorian research community, Professor Tsien spoke about the potential for using this fluorescent technology to advance surgery. In the future, tumours, for example, could be made fluorescent, enabling surgeons to accurately remove the cancer without damaging nearby nerves. The fluorescence is activated by exposure to light, meaning surgery is an ideal candidate for the application of this technology.
The Forum was established in 2005 by Leica Microsystems as an international interdisciplinary platform to present and discuss new scientific insight and knowledge of highly relevant themes within the life sciences.
Professor Ian Harper of Monash Micro Imaging (MMI), who was heavily involved in bringing the Leica Scientific Forum to Australia in 2010, says the lectures are a great opportunity for the local research community to hear from international leaders in imaging.
"The contribution of Professor Tsien to science cannot be overstated with his work influencing a number of fields in the neurosciences as well as developmental, cell and molecular biology.
"Prof Tsien is indicative of the very high quality of the speakers we host and I encourage all interested staff to attend the Forum in 2012."
The next Leica Scientific Forum lecture will be held early in April 2012. Details can be found on the Leica and MMI websites.