Scientifica’s top 10 articles of 2016
Throughout 2016, Scientifica has published many articles, videos and notes on our website to inform, entertain and support you and your experimental ambitions.
We hope that you have enjoyed our posts over the last twelve months and we look forward to providing you with plenty more in 2017.
Below is a collection of Scientifica’s 10 most popular articles from 2016.
1. #LabHacks: 14 sharp tips for patch clampers
Performing patch clamp experiments has often been described as more of an art than a science, and it is certainly true that one of the keys to successful patching is practice. There are a few common issues and simple tasks that are often overlooked but can prevent a successful day’s patching. In no particular order, here are 14 tips and tricks to help you improve your technique so that you can become more efficient and productive at patching cells.
2. #LabHacks: How to denoise your rig
Electrical noise is a constant source of annoyance to electrophysiologists. When making fine recordings of the electrical properties of a cell, even the smallest disturbances can hide the true changes in voltage or current occurring across the membrane. For example, to carry out single-channel recordings, which can reveal the characteristics of individual ion channels, noise must be almost eliminated.
By taking a systematic approach, it is feasible to reduce the noise on a patch-clamp electrophysiology rig to a level where single-molecule activity can be recorded with microsecond resolution. The amount of reduction necessary will depend upon the experiment but using the techniques below it is possible to lower background noise levels by up to 90%.
3. Spiny behaviour revealed by voltage imaging
Using an electrochemical voltage-sensitive dye, researchers from the United States, Serbia and Hungary directly monitored the electrical properties of individual spines on basal dendrites.
Their research shows that – against many hypotheses (based on theoretical models) – synapses on basal dendritic spines are not isolated by the spinal neck and behave as if they are located directly on the dendrite.
4. First human test of optogenetics highlights its clinical potential
RetroSense Therapeutics, a startup based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, began the first clinical trial of an optogenetics-based therapy in humans.
Optogenetics has caused a revolution in neuroscience research over the last decade or so, and now looks set to transform the world of gene therapy too.
5. Say hello, to the HyperScope
Scientifica’s most advanced multiphoton imaging system yet enables simultaneous two-photon microscopy and photoactivation with exceptional performance.
Available in several configurations, the HyperScope helps researchers to answer complex experimental questions in both in vitro and in vivo samples.
6. Scientifica launches first US office
Scientifica launched its first office outside of the UK at the beginning of 2016. The new office based in New Jersey will continue to improve our ability to support our growing number of customers in the United States.
7. SciCam Pro: Designed specifically for electrophysiology applications
The SciCam Pro, built in collaboration with scientific camera experts QImaging and released in 2016, incorporates several features to help overcome the demanding requirements of electrophysiology experiments.
The camera contains a highly-sensitive 1.4 MP cooled CCD chip, with a 75% peak quantum efficiency, to detect even the weakest signals and deliver superb brightfield and fluorescence images.
8. Best mobile apps for neuroscientists in 2016
The ubiquity of smart mobile devices around the world has led to the invention of apps for almost everything. Below, we’ve collected some of the best available for neuroscientists. These free or low-cost tools can be used to help simplify the daily life of an investigator or permit them to continue working while on the move.
9. Ion channel function in the absence of ion-flow
Two 2016 papers from Dr Roberto Malinow’s lab at the University of California, San Diego show that agonist binding to the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) triggers conformational movement of the cytoplasmic domain (NMDARcd) in the absence of ion flow.
The change drives conformational signalling required for synaptic plasticity by the NMDA complex.
10. The LBM-7 turned to the dark side...
Our "Little Blue" manipulator is no more, welcome to the dark side the Little Black Manipulator…
We look forward to revealing more tips and tricks to enhance your experimental setups, the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience and updates from the Scientifica team in 2017.
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