Special Seminar with Nako Nakatsuka, PhD, EPFLDate: Friday, February 28, 2025Time: 4:00pmLocation: Picower Seminar Room (46-3310, Third Floor of MIT Building 46)Talk Title: Aptamer-Based Biosensors to Map Neurochemical DynamicsAbstract: Dysfunctional synapses, where neurons communicate via electrical and chemical signals, are early indicators of brain disorders, often emerging before behavioral symptoms. While advanced methods to record electrical signaling from neurons are prevalent, tools to monitor chemical signaling in real-time at nanoscale dimensions have been limited. Existing technologies for chemical detection are too large for precise synaptic positioning and struggle to distinguish structurally similar neurochemicals. We have tackled this challenge by coupling the inherent selectivity of DNA-based recognition elements termed aptamers, with nanoscale pipettes with openings of ca. 10 nm. Aptamers are systematically designed oligonucleotide receptors that exhibit highly specific and selective recognition of targets. Aptamers that recognize small-molecule neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, have recently been isolated. Upon reversible target binding, aptamers undergo a rearrangement of their negatively charged backbone, and these structural changes can be transduced as measurable changes in current through the nanoscale orifice of the sensors. Confinement of the aptamers within the nanopore minimizes biofouling of the sensor surface for long-term recordings in complex environments, overcoming a critical bottleneck for clinical biosensors. We have demonstrated the capacity to detect physiologically relevant differences in neurotransmitter amounts released by live neurons in complex media. Further, through seamless integration into patch clamp setups, our sensors have been deployed to track dopamine release in acute brain slices. We demonstrate the translatability of these sensors to other neuroscience groups and the possibility to conduct continuous recordings in localized regions with nanoscale resolution.Prof. Nako Nakatsuka heads the Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnology (CHEMINA) at the Neuro-X Institute at EPFL since January 2024. She was raised in Tokyo, Japan and moved to the U.S.A. for her bachelor’s in chemistry at Fordham University (Bronx, NY) and pursued her Ph.D. at UCLA (Los Angeles, CA). Upon receiving the ETH Zürich postdoctoral fellowship, she moved to Switzerland and remained a senior scientist at the Laboratory of Biosensors and Bioelectronics. For her work, she was named an MIT Under 35 Pioneer (2021), received the iCanX Young Scientist award (2022), the ACS Nano Lectureship Award and Prix Zonta (2023), as well as the Talented 12 Award (2024). Prof. Nakatsuka has also illustrated a children’s chemistry book: “A is for Atom: ABCs for Aspiring Chemists” to inspire the next generation of chemists.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down—come hang out and warm up at the Muddy Charles Pub! Enjoy complimentary snacks (courtesy of MS&PC, while it lasts), affordable drinks for purchase (cash only).Bring your spouse/partner, meet new friends, and unwind!Registration is required and must be confirmed, as space is limited. Please bring your MIT ID and a valid passport/local ID (21+).ONLY FOR SPOUSES AND PARTNERS CONNECTIf you have any questions, please contact Gabriel, g.sanmartinfer@gmail.com.

Experience the immediate benefits of myofascial release with this simple and effective self-care practice. Learn specialized ball rolling techniques that help penetrate through layers of skin, fascia and muscle and massage into your high-tension areas.Each class includes guided exercises using the Roll Model therapy balls, breath work and stretching techniques specifically designed to ease overburdened muscles and encourage deep mind-body relaxation. Explore various muscle groups and needy body areas each week to eliminate strain and discomfort from sitting too long, working on screens and living with stress.You will find greater self-awareness, freedom and ease in your body. Put the power of self-massage into your own hands.All levels welcome! This is a movement class and workout attire is strongly encouraged.Registration is required on our wellness class website. If you do not already have an account on this website, you'll need to create one. This is a fee-based class and open to the entire MIT community.

The MIT wrestling club holds practices in the du Pont Wrestling Room on weeknights 5:30-7pm. All levels of experience welcome! Whether you're looking to learn how to grapple or just want to get in a good workout, wrestling practice is a good time to learn technique, get in some live goes, and have fun with a great group of people.Current schedule is: structured practice MTRF, open mats W, and technique sessions 9-10:30am on Saturday. For more information, contact wrestling-officers@mit.edu.

Social with your classmates after first month of term, relax before midterms, and play board games! Held at MIT ORC (E40-103) and sponsored by GSC Funding Board.

Time: 6:00 PMLocation: Cambridge, MA