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Dr. Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff has at-
tended a Mitochondrial Molecular Biology
and Pathology Workshop which was held at
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Be-
thesda US, from May 5-7, 2009. This
"Hands On" biotechnology training courses
(Bio-trac) was organized by the Foundation
for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES). The purpose of this three-day workshop was
to provide a foundation of knowledge for those who are new to the field of mitochondrial re-
search and its biogenesis or for those who are interested in further understanding mitochondrial
molecular biology and pathology. The workshop included a combination of lectures and hands
-on laboratory experiments to exposed the participants with the skills necessary to work with
these organelles.
RIKEN BSI is
located in RIKEN main
campus in Wakoshi, Sai-
tama. The summer program
took place between July 13
to July 24, 2009. Partici-
pants were accommodated
in a nearby hotel, which
was 20 minutes walking
distance from RIKEN.
The summer pro-
gram consisted of series of
lectures on neuroscience
and opportunity for partici-
pants to present research
poster. The theme this year
was “Interacting Brain” :
promoting the interactions
between participants and
guest speakers in sharing and
fostering science of the brain.
Special guest speakers were
invited from renown world
universities such as Univer-
sity Pierre & Marie Curie,
France, Emory University
School of Medicine, USA and
Oxford University, UK.
Speakers also included emi-
nent staff from RIKEN BSI.
The poster presenta-
tion gave participants the op-
portunity to engage with the
public on the scientific merits
of research in neuroscience . I
presented a research of ethno-
pharmacology and its use in
the studies of epileptic rat.
The basis of my re-
search involved the
use of Mitragyna spe-
ciosa (ketum or kra-
tom) extract, whereby
we are interested in
the chronic effects
upon exposure to Ketum in both normal
and epileptic rats. From this exercise, I
received comments and thoughts which
are constructive for my current research. I
also develop particular interest on an
imaging technique known as Two Pho-
tons
Imaging
Tech-
nique.
This
exciting
technol-
ogy al-
lows
scien-
tists to observe the electrical potential in
the brain more clearly.
Mitochondrial Molecular Biology and Pathology Workshop
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Dr Abd Aziz in Be-
thesda,US.
1
Ulul survive in RIKEN 1
Spotlight: Dr Saufi 2
Animal Behaviour
Course
2
Visitor from Toku-
shima University
3
Elekta– Neuromag 3
RLKA Meeting 4
RIKEN Brain Science Institute Summer Program
2009
U N I V E R S I T I S A I N S
M A L A Y S I A D E P A R T M E N T
O F N E U R O S C I E N C E S NEURONews
J U L — D E C 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 4 I S S U E 2
Page 1
Neuroscience Micro-
Injection
Exchange of Staff 4
4
2001, he had joined USM
as a trainee lecturer, full-
time and more impor-
tantly, in neurosurgery.
He knew that this
was the beginning of his
dream ambition to be-
come a skillful surgeon. As
part of his training, he ac-
quired exciting exposures
in neuromedical for 1 year
with Prof Tharakan, 4
months at internal medi-
cine, 4 months at O&G
and 4 months for neuro-
surgery.
In 2003, he offi-
cially joined the Masters
program for neurosur-
gery. He has a fond mem-
ory whilst conducting his
thesis on robotics when he
spend 6 months at KB gen-
eral surgery, 3 months at
UKM and another 3 months
each at HKL for neurosur-
gery and neurology at USM.
During this time, he missed
his daughter terribly who
had to stay with his in-laws.
In addition, he also had to
endure the greatest chal-
lenge in his life so far when
he had to take his exams
while his wife had to be in
the UK to complete her
PhD. Although as a family
they were emotionally chal-
lenged, together they made
it in the end.
Professionally, he
desired to become an ac-
complished spine surgeon in
the next 5 years.
Kuantan is home
for Dr Saufi, who was born
there as “anak merdeka”
on 31/8/1972. The journey
of this charming neurosur-
geon for his career began
with the award a scholar-
ship to pursue MBBS at
University of Adelaide in
1999. Upon graduation, he
took up housemanship
post in March 2000 at
HUSM. He completed his
internship after one year in
2001 successfully.
He continued his
career journey in the De-
partment of Orthopedics,
HUSM for two months as
M.O followed by April-July
at USM and HKB in 2001
under MOH. After July
N E U R O N E W S
Spotlight: Dr Mohamed Saufi b. Awang
Page 2
Animal Behaviour Intensive Course 2009
Dr Goh showing the applica-
tion of Morris Water Maze
during the practical session
On December 17, 2009 we had the pleas-
ure of Dr.Goh Yong Meng who delivered
the Animal Behaviour Intensive Course,
held at the Department of Neurosciences.
Dr. Goh is currently a lecturer in UPM at
the School of Pre-Clinical Veterinary Sci-
ences. His areas of expertise include nutri-
tional physiology and PUFA metabolism
and their use in medicine. At present, he is
focusing on research related to trans and
conjugated Linolenic acid.
The objectives of this course :
1. To expose students with the neuro-
science related behaviour study in rodents
and selection of behaviour study tools for
specific purpose.
2. To provide students with intensive
practical experience to conduct the behav-
iour study and data acquisition in rodents.
3. To expose student with analysis of
behaviour study data and statistical
evaluation.
The course was targeted for the
postgraduates students ( MSc & PhD )
who are currently involved with animal
research. The course was well attended
with 25 student participants, and was
completed successfully in one day.
Prof Jafri thanking Dr Goh
during the closing ceremony
Doctor of Philosophy (2002) - Universiti Putra Malaysia Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
(1998) - Universiti Putra Malaysia
V O L U M E 4 I S S U E 2
Visiting from University of Tokushima
Page 3 V O L U M E 4 I S S U E 2
9 Dec 09, the Department of Neu-
rosciences had received Japanese
visitors from Universiti of Toku-
shima. They were here to renew
the memorandum of understanding
(MoU) between USM and Univer-
sity of Tokushima.
Prof Jafri Malin as the
head of Department of Neurosci-
ences was accompanied by Prof Nik
Abdullah, Dr Muzaimi and Dr
Helmy while University of Toku-
shima was represented by its presi-
dent, Prof Tashihira Aono, vice-
president Yoshiaki Igarashi, Presi-
dential Aid for International Affairs
Prof Kazuo Hosoi, Assistant Dean
Faculty of Medicine Prof Hiroshi
Maezawa, International Planner Dr
Mitsue Uchida and Dean, Faculty of
Oral Sciences Prof Yosio Hayashi.
During the visit, Prof Jafri
Malin had introduced them to the
main Neuroscience Laboratory, the
MEG & ERP Laboratory that played
leading roles in brain science re-
search in Malaysia.
Prof Tashihira said that
the Tokushima University, which
was established in 1949, accepted
about 260 international students
annually, and currently promoting
international education.
He said the university made it into
the Japan National University Cor-
poration owing to its excellent
achievements, especially in health
science and engineering.
suppression method, in particular
with the complex calculation in-
volved to give a mathematical com-
pensation.
Hazim added, “During the
course we had a chance to visit the
MEG assembly facilities at Innokas
Medical Oy. We were pleasantly
surprised with the fact that with
only about 30 employees, the com-
pany still able to build the MEG
system and then marketed it around
the world. With the heavily priced
goods and delivering customer
wants, the company has made lucra-
tive returns. Most of the staff were
young and energetic, except for the
experts who seemed graying. Unfor-
tunately, whilst at the assembly
facilities, we were not allowed to
take pictures to share with the rest
of you.”
On the last day, we held
one-to-one session with the expert
like Ritva Paetau, Riitta Salmelin and
others. The discussion was particu-
larly useful on data acquisitions and
analysis for epilepsy.
The next day we took the
opportunity to fly to Kuopio to visit
Prof Jafri’s student, Madam Farizan
with her son, Mikael and
husband, Faiz. They, as fam-
ily, seemed to be full of life,
based on the experiences
that they had shared with us.
The opportunity was also
taken by Farizan to get in-
puts on her PhD works from
Prof Wan Ahmad Kamil and
Prof Jafri while visiting her
laboratory. We wish to have
stayed a little longer, but we
only had two precious days
with them. Finally, we thank
you Helsinki, thank you Ku-
opio and thank you the trio:
Farizan, Mikael & Faiz. Thank
you ALL.
November 16-20, 2009 Prof Jafri Malin Abdullah, Prof Wan
Ahmad Kamil and Hazim Omar had
attended the Introductory Program
on the Elekta Neuromag Magne-
toencephalography (MEG) that
explore its clinical and research use.
It was held during a winter season
in BRU Brain Research Unit, LTL
Low Temperature Laboratory,
Puumiehenkuja 2, Helsinki Univer-
sity of Technology, Espoo. Two
delegates had attended the course,
our Malaysian delegate and another
from Holland (6 researchers).
According to Hazim, the
program content consisted of series
of lectures from the leading experts
in MEG, workflow observation and
hands-on session for spontaneous
and various evoked responses.
Since we considered ourselves
beginner in the field of MEG, the
program was also tailored to match
our interests with MEG. In the
lecture we learned about the sys-
tem hardware, liquid helium refill,
data acquisition and also the analy-
sis part. Although we were very
familiar with these parts but we
were puzzled with the interference
Elekta Neuromag : Introductory Program
GOOD LUCK NABILA…..
Neuroscience associate meeting of USM Academic Staff Training Scheme
(ASTS) was held in the Department of Neurosciences, aimed at getting to
know each other and to plan the future expertise or field, critical for neu-
roscience development in Malaysia and USM.
All ASTS candidates had proposed and discussed with the team all the
areas of expertise that they would consider for their PhD studies.
RLKA MEETING
Prof Jafri presented the opportunity and
branches of neurosciences. His presentation
was followed by Dr.Muzaimi who presented
the current and future research themes that
will be of interest to the ASTS candidates.
Current neuroscientists (not in picture: Dr.Aziz)
and ASTS at the end of the meeting
Neuroscience Microinjection Practical Session 2009
Dr Zulkifli demonstrated the
surgical technique on the rat
brain
Meeting objective: To expose students to the appli-
cation of stereotatic in brain microinjection.
The participant also had hands-on opportunities on
the method shown. Participants were also taught
about cardiac perfusion technique for the spinal cord
and brain preservation.
Mr Azim Patar demonstrated the use of the stereotac-
tic frame for atlas guided microinjection into the rat
brain
V O L U M E 4 I S S U E 2 Page 4
Nur Nabila Abu Bakar held a
post as technologist in Neuro-
science Department over a pe-
riod of 6 months when she had
to depart from the Department
to further her study in Degree
of Medical Lab Technologist at
UiTM. She had shown exem-
plary work attitudes and skills,
and well liked by staff and stu-
dents alike.
WELCOME FOR NEW STAFF…..
Raja Siti Nazihah bt Raja Mohd Ghani was appointed
temporarily to replace Pn Mazira Ghazali. She had
graduated from UPM in May 2009 with a degree in
Science Biology (Honours).
She had commenced duty for a period of one year
from Dec 1, 09, with a view for renewed contract on a
yearly basis subject to her satisfactory progress. To
date, she is fitting well into the Department.
Kee Sui Mei was appointed as a new technologist in
place of Nabila. She is a mixed blood of Chinese and
Siamese, given her an exotic look, despite her Chinese
name. Graduated from UDM in July 09, she had landed
into the job after following the footstep of her friend
who also worked as a technologist at USM.
Her most memorable and significant contributions her
active involvement as a project manager in the “Bengkel
Pengenalan Sains Neuro 2009”, especially popular among
student participants for her undivided attention for their
needs at the Bengkel.
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