NEURO2026

Moderator: Shintaro Tanaka (Leica Microsystems K.K.)

Co-hosted by Leica Microsystems K.K.

During neural development, various dynamic processes—such as neuronal migration, axon elongation, synapse formation, and synchronized neuronal activity—occur in a highly coordinated spatiotemporal manner. To better understand these mechanisms, it is essential to visualize each process in real time and at high resolution.
In this seminar, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Chiaki Maruyama (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Neural Circuit Development Project). She will present her research focusing on the functional analysis of subplate neurons (SpNs), highlighting how live imaging and calcium imaging have been used to visualize the mechanisms underlying early neural circuit formation. In addition, she will introduce cutting-edge research examples, including live imaging of avian brain development and super-resolution imaging analyses of synaptic microstructures at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
Various microscopic observation techniques have been developed that enable more precise and detailed imaging of the diverse morphologies of neurons and related cells, extending even deeper into the brain. At the same time, there is a growing need for image analysis technologies capable of handling the diversity of morphological patterns, such as heterogeneous dendrites.
In this seminar, we will also introduce AIVIA, an AI-powered image analysis software that utilizes machine learning to enable objective and efficient pattern recognition—something that has traditionally been difficult to achieve using the human eye alone. Using examples of cellular images from neuroscience research, we will demonstrate how the integration of advanced imaging techniques and AI-based analysis can expand the possibilities of research.