Insight into cutting edge neuroscience research

8 May 2008

Some 30 Form Four students will have a chance to gain a first-hand look at cutting-edge neuroscience research through the 'Discover Science - A Day in the Life of a Scientist' workshop organised by Monash University, National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) and The Star newspaper.

The event on 24 - 25 May is aimed at encouraging students to take an interest in science, especially neuroscience, said Professor Ishwar Parhar, head of the Brain Research Institute at Monash Sunway (BRIMS), Southeast Asia’s premier neuroscience research centre.

The workshop is open to children of NUBE members, whose parents can apply through their respective NUBE branch offices, and a group of students selected by Monash University.

Professor Parhar said the students will have the opportunity to learn about the human brain through animal behaviour studies, the formation of the brain, anatomical differences in the male and female brains, microscopy and DNA extraction.” There is still much to be learnt about the human brain and we hope participation in the workshop will encourage some students to take a greater general interest in science, and neuroscience in particular” said Professor Parhar.

Among the activities scheduled for the students are hands-on sessions of data recording and analysis, work on the preparation and observation of slides, observation of the molecular make up of DNA and its extraction, and group work with a team of Japanese researchers working on a number of very exciting research projects.

Aside from hands on experiments, students will also have the opportunity to view some of the state-of-the-art equipment at BRIMS, including Southeast Asia's only Live Cell Imaging microscope and a single cell laser capture microscope developed using technology pioneered by Professor Parhar.

The Live Cell Imaging microscope allows researchers to view live cells under the microscope over an extended period of time. It is being used for cutting edge research into how cells migrate from one location to another.

The single cell laser capture microscope was developed based on a pioneering technique developed by Professor Parhar to extract individual cells from a cluster of brain cells. The technology has been further developed to produce a microscope that uses a very small laser beam to extract individual cells for research.

After completing the workshop, the students will also have the opportunity to tour Bandar Sunway and visit its major attraction - the Sunway Lagoon theme park.

For more information on the program, please call: BRIMS at (03) 5514 6000 or NUBE at (03) 2274 9800. - By Anita Hadi