MHP winter webinar series 2021
The Melbourne Histology Platform invites you to participate in the upcoming MHP winter webinar series, presented in collaboration with the BioSciences Microscopy Unit and the Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform, covering various introductory and specialised techniques for preparing and staining biological specimens for optical, electron and ion microscopy.
In July, we are offering a series of webinars ranging from broad steps of biological sample preparation for researchers new to histology (or wanting a refresher) through to more in-depth sessions on specific sample preparation and staining techniques for those wishing to advance their knowledge. Each webinar includes Q&A time at the end of the session. Each webinar will be recorded. To attend any or all of the sessions, please register no later than 24 hours before the webinar begins; a Zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the webinar is held.
| Date | Time (AEST) | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Tues 13th July | 10am–12pm | Sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy: fixation, processing & embedding |
| Wed 14th July | 10am–12pm | Sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy: sectioning and staining |
| Frid 16th July | 10am–12pm | Focus on ion microscopy |
| Tues 20th July | 10am–11am | Focus on fixation |
| Tues 20th July | 11am–12pm | Focus on immunostaining |
| Wed 21st July | 10:30am–12pm | Focus on fixation and immunostaining – electron microscopy edition |
| Thurs 22nd July | 10:30am–12pm | Experimental design how-to for optical, electron and ion microscopy |
Sample preparation for optical and electron microscopy: sample fixation, processing and embedding
10am–12pm on Tuesday 13th July
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. 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
10am–12pm on Wednesday 14th 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. Presented by Chris Freelance (Melbourne Histology Platform) and Allison van de Meene (School of BioSciences Microscopy Unit).
Focus on ion microscopy
10am–12pm on Friday 16th July
The helium ion microscope (HIM) is a scanned ion probe instrument that is similar in many respects to that of the well-established scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fundamentally, however, the two differ in that the HIM utilises a beam of He+ ions generated from a gas field ion source (GFIS). This affords beam characteristics superior to that of an electron source; very low chromatic aberration, orders of magnitude higher brightness, greater depth of field, and an ultimate imaging resolution that is not diffraction limited. Additionally it can image insulating surfaces without the need for a conductive coating. Unsurprisingly then, the HIM is an important imaging tool in the materials and life sciences, where there is an ever-pressing demand to look closer at surfaces and elucidate the finest nanoscale features. This seminar will introduce and discuss the technique, its strengths (and weaknesses) and how it can be applied in materials engineering and biological sciences. Presented by Anders Barlow (Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform).
Focus on fixation
10–11am on Tuesday 20th 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 focused on fixing samples for optical microscopy only. Presented by Chris Freelance (Melbourne Histology Platform).
Focus on immunostaining
11am–12pm on Tuesday 20th 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 (Melbourne Histology Platform).
Focus on fixation and immunostaining – electron microscopy edition
10:30–11:30am on Wednesday 21st 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 (BioSciences Microscopy Unit).
Experimental design how-to for optical, electron and ion microscopy
10:30am–12pm on Thursday 22nd July
Carefully selecting biological sample preparation techniques and incorporating them into experimental design is essential for ensuring you get the imaging results you need. This webinar will take participants through worked theoretical examples of selecting the appropriate sample preparation procedures to achieve the desired imaging outcomes for data collection. Scenarios will cover optical (light, fluorescence, confocal), electron and ion microscopy. Presented by Chris Freelance (Melbourne Histology Platform), Allison van de Meene (BioSciences Microscopy Unit) and Anders Barlow (Materials Characterisation and Fabrication Platform).