The first day of BioMed 2012 is officially in the history books and I don't think it would be too much to call it a smashing success so far. With three parallel tracts and a large number of posters, I clearly couldn't get to everything, but some highlights in my opinion include:
1) Three-photon imaging work by a group at Cornell that produces 10,000x higher signal to background ratio than two photon imaging (BSu2B.2). This technique allows for in vivo imaging neurons up to 1 mm below the cortical surface by taking advantage of the 1700 nm spectral window.
2) A poster showing the development of methods to measure simultaneous optical and electrical measurements of nuerovascular coupling in conscious rats (BSu3A.90). Apparently asking the animals nicely to hold still does not work.
3) Second-harmonic generation imaging microscopy capable of quantifying changes in structure and composition of collagen in the extracellular matrix by a group in Wisconsin (BSu4B.1). These methods can be used to characterize changes in the extra-cellular matrix in a variety of cancers.
Tomorrow starts with a plenary from a Nobel Prize winner (George Smith), followed by sessions on molecular probes, photoacoustic tomography, and brain signals. I have been reassured there will be plenty of coffee again tomorrow during the breaks for those needing a little extra help to keep going...
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