Image of the month

This scanning electron micrograph shows a normal human neural progenitor cell (supplied by Lonza) which has been false coloured in blue. A normal human neural progenitor cell is a type of stem cell which forms neurons and glia in the brain during development. This cell has not yet commenced differentiating into neural lineages, and is still in the stem cell stage. The cell is grown in a 3D culture scaffold called Alvetex. This work is being undertaken by Dr Immy Smith who is part of the Electrophysiology Research Group in the School of Pharmacy. The work forms part of a project investigating functional differences in these cells grown in 2D vs. 3D to produce models for neurotoxicity and pharmacological studies. Sample preparation and microscopy assistance was provided by Matthew Spink.