Measuring neuronal, synaptic and network activity
in vitro / ex vivo
Recordings from neurons (cultured/brain slices), axons, peripheral nerves, other amenable preparations; studies of neuronal and synaptic activity and neuromodulation; field recordings in brain slices to study synaptic activity/plasticity; calcium signaling, microfluidics and Multi-Electrode Arrays (MEAs).
CEDOC/NMS; CNC; i3S; iBiMED-UA; ICBAS/MedinUP; ICVS; iMM/FMUL; UC (FMUC/MIA/CFE)
Pharmacological testing/modulation
in vitro / ex vivo / in vivo
Experimental design and electrophysiological characterization of the functional/pharmacological effects of molecules acting on receptors, ion channels or other cellular targets, using heterologous expression systems, primary cultures, IPSCs, brain slices or by intracerebral administration.
CEDOC/NMS; CNC; iBiMED-UA; ICBAS/MedinUP; iMM/FMUL; UC (FMUC)
Electrochemical recordings of neuronal activity
in vitro / ex vivo / in vivo
Real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators (ATP/aden sine, biogenic amines, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide) in vivo (anesthetized and awake behaving rodents) and in vitro/ex vivo (cultured cells/brain slices) using micro(bio)sensors coupled to fast electrochemical techniques.
CEDOC/NMS; CNC; i3S; ICBAS/MedinUP; UC (MIA/CFE)
Optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation of neuronal and glial activity
in vitro / ex vivo / in vivo
Circuit mapping using optogenetic and chemogenetic assisted methods ex vivo and in vivo. Manipulation of neuroglial populations by optogenetics and chemogenetics. Subcellular channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping methods (sCRACM). Neuronal projection tracing.
CEDOC/NMS; Champalimaud Foundation; CNC; i3S; iBiMED-UA; ICVS; UC (FMUC)
In vivo electrophysiology, electrical stimulation and neural manipulation
in vivo
Acute/chronic electrophysiological recordings/neuronal manipulation in central or peripheral nerve tissue, in anesthetized, head-fixed or awake/behaving animals; development and fabrication of electrodes and devices; stereotaxic surgeries for virus injection or electrode implantation.
CEDOC/NMS; Champalimaud Foundation; CNC; i3S; iBiMED-UA; ICVS; iMM/FMUL; UC (FMUC)
Imaging neuronal activity in vivo
in vivo
Fluorescence imaging (calcium, neurotransmitters, or labeled molecules) using fiber photometry, mini scopes and 2-photon microscopy in head-fixed awake animals; Acquisition of anatomical, hemodynamic, functional, and molecular signals using micro-ultrasound imaging system.
Champalimaud Foundation; ICVS
Computational modeling and in silico neuroscience
in silico
Construction and analysis of biophysically detailed models of neuronal dynamics; Computational modeling of neuro-glial networks. Cross-region correlation and network data analysis and modeling. Implementation of advanced signal/image analysis workflows (data analytics).
CNC; i3S; ICVS
Development of automated control of behavioural mazes for cognitive assessment
in vivo
Development of automated systems for user-independent execution of behavioral tasks of cognitive assessment in animal models (integration of animal position, activity and behaviour, through image and/or sensors, for automated delivery of sensory or optogenetic stimulation).
i3S; ICVS
Training in brain surgeries
in vivo
Training in stereotaxic microsurgery in rodents (and post-surgery care), including implants of bio-sensors, microelectrodes, cannulas, optical fibers and others.
CNC; ICVS; iMM/FMUL; UC (FMUC)
Training in electrochemistry
in vitro / in vivo
Training in electrochemistry/carbon fiber amperometry recordings, carbon fiber and micro(bio)sensor construction and evaluation and data analysis.
CNC; ICBAS/MedinUP; UC (MIA)
Training in electrophysiology and data analysis
in vitro / ex vivo / in vivo
Training in whole-cell patch-clamp, field potentials and electrochemistry recordings; in vivo/ex vivo recordings of electrical activity and modulation of peripheral nerves; electrophysiology basics for medical students/interns with focus on clinical application; data analysis.
CEDOC/NMS; CNC; i3S; iBiMED-UA; ICBAS/MedinUP; ICVS; iMM/FMUL; UC (FMUC/MIA/CFE)
Training in cell/circuit specific manipulation using optogenetics and chemogenetics
in vivo
Training in circuit mapping using laser-scanning optogenetic photostimulation in acute slices; training in subcellular channelrhodopsin-assisted circuit mapping methods (sCRACM), including experimental and analysis methods.
Champalimaud Foundation; ICBAS/MedinUP; ICVS
Training in Computational Data Analysis
in silico
Training in analysis methods and information extraction from electrophysiology/imaging data; concepts and methodologies in Computational Data Analysis applied to biological/biomedical experimental data; Bonsai visual programming language together with theory and hands-on practise of neurophysiology.
i3S; ICVS