Histology winter webinar series
The Melbourne Histology Platform invites you to participate in the upcoming MHP winter webinar series, held in conjunction with the BioSciences Microscopy Unit, covering various introductory and specialised techniques for preparing and staining biological specimens for optical and electron microscopy.
While many of us are currently unable to physically conduct our research as usual due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are still able to take the opportunity to gain an understanding of the key steps of histology or to advance your knowledge in specialised techniques. To this end, in the coming weeks we are offering a series of webinars ranging from introductory level information for researchers new to histology through to more in-depth webinars on specific sample preparation and staining techniques.
Each webinar will be 60 mins: 45-50 mins of content with 10-15 mins of answering participant questions. To attend any or all of the sessions, please register no later than 24 hours before the webinar begins; Zoom links will be sent to registrants the day before the webinar is held.
Introduction to Histology
10–11am on Tuesday 23rd June
This webinar will provide an introduction to the steps of the histology process and explore the broad options available for sample fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining including a basic introduction to immunostaining.
This webinar is aimed at those who are new to histology or need a refresher of the essentials. Presented by Chris Freelance.
Sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy: sample fixation, processing and embedding
10–11am on Tuesday 30th June
Part 1 of the 2-part sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy series, this webinar will explore: methods of tissue fixation and considerations when selecting a fixative; and methods of tissue embedding. We will highlight the similarities and differences between these processes that depend on the type of microscopy researchers intend to use (optical or electron) and briefly explore how to choose the appropriate technique.
This webinar will assume an understanding of the basics of sample preparation for microscopy. Co-presented by Chris Freelance (Melbourne Histology Platform) and Allison van de Meene (School of BioSciences Microscopy Unit).
Sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy: sectioning and staining
10–11am on Wednesday 1st July
Part 2 of the 2-part sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy series, this webinar will explore: methods of tissue sectioning; mainstream staining approaches including immunolabelling; and troubleshooting common staining problems. We will highlight the similarities and differences between these processes that depend on the type of microscopy researchers intend to use (optical or electron).
This webinar will assume an understanding of the basics of sample preparation for microscopy. Co-presented by Chris Freelance (Melbourne Histology Platform) and Allison van de Meene (School of BioSciences Microscopy Unit).
Focus on Fixation
11am–12noon on Tuesday 7th July
Fixation of biological tissue samples is essential to preserving tissue morphology for performing histology and microscopy to visualise characteristics of the tissue. The choice and performance of fixation can make or break an experiment that will rely on histology and microscopy to collect the data. This webinar will explore: the broad approaches to fixation, common chemical fixatives, how to choose an appropriate fixation technique and basic troubleshooting of common issues encountered with tissue fixation.
The content will be focussed on fixing samples for optical microscopy only. Presented by Chris Freelance.
Focus on Immunostaining
10–11am on Wednesday 8th July
Immunostaining is an important and widely used technique for visualising the presence and distribution of molecules/structures of interest in a tissue section. This webinar will explore: the 3 approaches to immunostaining, designing a multi-labelling experiment including selection of antibodies, general immunostaining protocols, and troubleshooting common problems encountered with immunostaining.
This webinar will assume a basic knowledge of the principles of immunostaining. Presented by Chris Freelance.
Focus on Fixation and Immunostaining - Electron microscopy edition
10–11am on Tuesday 14th July
Fixation of biological tissue samples is essential to preserving tissue morphology for performing histology and microscopy to visualise characteristics of the tissue. The choice and performance of fixation can make or break an experiment that will rely on microscopy to collect the data. This webinar will explore: the broad approaches to fixation, common chemical fixatives, how to choose an appropriate fixation technique and basic troubleshooting of common issues encountered with tissue fixation.
Immunostaining is an important and widely used technique for visualising the presence and distribution of molecules/structures of interest in a tissue section. This webinar will explore: approaches to immunostaining, designing a multi-labelling experiment including selection of antibodies, general immunostaining protocols, and troubleshooting common problems encountered with immunostaining.
This webinar will focus on fixation and immunostaining specifically for electron microscopy and will assume a basic knowledge of the principles of immunostaining. Presented by Allison van de Meene from the BioSciences Microscopy Unit.