Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Bruce Earhard Memorial Lecture and Undergraduate Awards Day (Dr. Ralph Redden, St. Francis Xavier University)

Date and time: January 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: Lecture room P4260, Life Sciences Centre Psychology Tower

Light reception to follow.

On behalf of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), we invite you to submit a session proposal for Neuroscience 2026, taking place November 14–18 in Washington, D.C.

SfN is committed to fostering a rich intellectual community where neuroscience researchers can thrive, exchange ideas, and share their latest discoveries. Our program at Neuroscience 2025 was a strong reflection of these values, and we aim to build on that success in 2026.

To expand participation and enhance accessibility, we encourage neuroscientists from all backgrounds and career stages to submit a proposal for a Neuroscience 2026 session or event by Wednesday, January 21, 5 p.m. EST.

The success of the annual meeting lies in the range of perspectives and experiences represented. As we look forward to Neuroscience 2026, the Program Committee and Professional Development Committee are keen to provide programming and professional development activities that resonate across the neuroscience community. Our goal is to ensure that all neuroscientists feel connected to one another and to the excitement of scientific discovery.

We hope you will consider contributing to this dynamic program and helping advance the field of neuroscience. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at program@sfn.org. 

Topic: Overview on rehabilitation research trends from the World Stroke Congress, held in Barcelona, October 2025.

Authors: n/a

DOI: n/a

Presented by: Fola Akpan, Physiotherapist with the ESSD team and research coordinator with Nova Scotia Health. 

Location/Platform: Teams

Contact ABINetwork@nshealth.ca for link or more information

Community Health and Epidemiology’s Seminar Series

January 8th features Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie.

Can we improve disease-specific outcomes in multiple sclerosis by treating comorbidity?

Synopsis: Many attempts to predict outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) have focused on the characteristics at presentation, such as relapse localization or age at symptom onset, however these factors have only limited predicted value. Other characteristics of the individual, such as socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, genetic factors, health behaviors and comorbid conditions also influence outcomes.

Physical and psychiatric comorbid conditions are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from the time of MS symptom onset and increase in prevalence with age and disease duration. Depression, anxiety disorders, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are among the most prevalent conditions affecting people with MS, and are associated with adverse outcomes. This raises the question as to whether targeting comorbidities could be a novel strategy to improve MS-specific outcomes.

Bio: Ruth Ann Marrie is a Professor of Medicine and Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry and her medical degree from Dalhousie University, both with Distinction. She completed neurology training at McGill University. This was followed by a fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis at the Cleveland Clinic, supported by a Sylvia Lawry Physician Fellowship Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Subsequently, she obtained a PhD in Epidemiology from Case Western Reserve University. Presently, she serves as the Vice Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee for the International Progressive MS Alliance. She is the former Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee for MS Canada, former Chair of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. In 2023 she was awarded the Barancik Prize for Innovation in Multiple Sclerosis Research. Her research aims to understand the influence of comorbid diseases on a range of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related health outcomes. Other areas of research interest include etiologic factors for MS, patient-reported outcomes, and prodromal MS.

Contact che@dal.ca

Topic: Molecular mechanism establishing the OFF pathway in vision

Author(s): Florentina Soto , Chin-I Lin, Andrew Jo1, Ssu-Yu Chou, Ellen G. Harding, Philip A. Ruzycki, Gail K. Seabold, Ronald S. Petralia & Daniel Kerschensteiner

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-59046-0

Presented by: Robyn McGowan

Location: TBC

Contact/RSVP: Delaney

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

This month is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a time to learn more about dementia and reduce the stigma that surrounds it. Many Canadians worry about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, yet fear and uncertainty often stop people from seeking information or support.

This year’s Forget No One campaign encourages open conversations so individuals and families can get support earlier, and no one has to face dementia alone.

Throughout January, Nova Scotians are encouraged to learn more, support dementia-friendly communities, and take part in the National Day of Action on January 28 to raise awareness and show solidarity.

Learn more about Awareness Month on Alzheimer Society’s website here.

Title: Ontogeny of the spinal cord dorsal horn

Speaker: Dr R. Brian Roome, Ph.D, Postdoctoral Fellow at National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral fellow at Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, McGill University

Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: 3H-01 Tupper Building

Abstract: “The dorsal horn of the mammalian spinal cord is organized into laminae where each layer is populated by different neuron types, has unique circuit connections, and plays specialized roles in behavior. An outstanding question is how this organization emerges during development from an apparently homogeneous pool of neural progenitors. Here, we show that dorsal neurons are

diversified by time, with families of related cell types born as temporal cohorts, and by a spatial-molecular gradient that specifies individual cell types. Excitatory neurons settle into a chronotopic arrangement that transforms their progressive birthdates into anatomical order and is required to establish proper laminae. We identified essential ontogenetic principles that shape dorsal progenitors into the diverse cell types and structure that subserve sensorimotor function.”

BIANS Holiday Gathering ☃️❄️

BIANS is excited to invite you and your whole family to our Holiday Party on December 5th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Discovery Centre!

Enjoy a fun, welcoming evening with:

• Delicious snacks

• A low sensory environment designed for comfort

• Exciting games and activities

• Fantastic prizes to be won

Best of all — this event is completely FREE!

Bring your loved ones and celebrate the season with us in a relaxed, inclusive space where everyone can have fun and feel supported.

We can’t wait to see you there!

In conjunction with Brain Canada, NS Department of Early Education and Childhood Development, and Dalhousie, the BRC are delighted to formally launch the BRC Roadshow.

The Brain Repair Centre’s Neuroscience Roadshow is an educational outreach initiative aimed at bringing neuroscience education to high schools across Nova Scotia. The Neuroscience Roadshow is a traveling event consisting of two main components: a seminar, and a “Brain Fair”.

Visit the BRC Roadshow page on this website to find out more about this project.

THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-Being 

December 3 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  | On Zoom
Understanding and Living with Depression
Depression can make everyday challenges feel overwhelming. This workshop explores what depression can look and feel like, and how it can affect our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. Participants will learn practical tools and strategies to manage difficult moments, build resilience, and support healing — whether you’re living with depression or supporting someone who is.

Register

THRIVE workshops are:

• Free

• Virtual

• Open to all Nova Scotians

  THRIVE is a virtual learning centre that provides accessible, low-barrier mental health education, equipping individuals with the skills and tools to promote and support their mental well-being. 

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is estimated that 16% of the world's population, or about 1 in 6, experience significant disability. 

Dalhousie stands in strong support with our community of persons with disabilities and joins with the rest of Canada and the world in using this day as a reminder that disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security.

Seminar Speaker: Dr Kazue Semba, Professor, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University

Seminar title: Astrocytic remodeling at synapses as a possible cellular mechanism for Sleep Homeostasis

 Location:  Tupper 3H01

Time:  1 pm - 2 pm (AST)

Date:  November 27, 2025

Title: 

Speaker: Alireza Aleali, MSc student, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University. 

Date: Thursday, November 27th, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: 3H-01 Tupper Building

Description: 

https://braininjuryns.com/pathway-portal/

THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-Being 

November 26 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  | On Zoom
Pathways to Healing: Recognizing and Coping with Trauma  
Learn to recognize the signs of trauma and PTSD, explore practical coping strategies, and discover ways to support your own healing—and the healing of those you care about—in a safe, supportive environment. 

Register

THRIVE workshops are:

• Free

• Virtual

• Open to all Nova Scotians

  THRIVE is a virtual learning centre that provides accessible, low-barrier mental health education, equipping individuals with the skills and tools to promote and support their mental well-being. 

Epilepsy Association’s next Knowledge is Power session is scheduled for November 25th at 7 pm. The invited guest is Dr. Tonya Omisade, Neuropsychologist with the Epilepsy Program in Halifax.

Dr. Omisade will be talking about why cognitive and memory problems often accompany epilepsy/seizure disorders. She will also review some relatively easy adaptations that you can make to help you work with these potential limitations.

Fill out this form to register! https://forms.office.com/r/dVzGLQjq2C

THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-Being 

November 24 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  | On Zoom
Finding Steady Ground: Managing Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder 
When panic strikes, it can feel like the world is closing in — but you’re not powerless. Join facilitator Marissa Menezes for a 60-minute session that will help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind during a panic attack, recognize triggers, and learn practical tools to regain calm and control when anxiety takes hold. 

Register

THRIVE workshops are:

• Free

• Virtual

• Open to all Nova Scotians

  THRIVE is a virtual learning centre that provides accessible, low-barrier mental health education, equipping individuals with the skills and tools to promote and support their mental well-being. 

Title: 

Speaker: Dr Yoshiyui Kubota, Professor, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Division of Multisensory Integration Systems, Okazaki, Japan

Title: Converging perisynaptic astrocytic processes from distinct astrocytes onto active dendritic segments following motor learning in the mouse primary motor cortex

Date: Monday, November 24th, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: THEATRE B - Tupper Building [IN-PERSON meeting]

Abstract:

Astrocytes play a key role in regulating synaptic transmission as part of the tripartite synapse. Each astrocyte typically occupies a distinct, non-overlapping domain. However, the plasticity of these domains—especially during learning-related synaptic remodeling—remains largely unknown. I will discuss our recent finding that after motor learning, perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAPs) from multiple astrocytes converge onto the same short dendritic segment (<40 µm) of the apical tuft of a layer 5 pyramidal neuron in the mouse primary motor cortex.

Using two-photon imaging in Thy1-GFP mice trained for 8 days on a forelimb seed-reaching task, we first identified dendritic segments that exhibited high spine turnover (Sohn et al., Science Advances, 2022). Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) using large-scale volume EM (vEM) data collected from these mice with automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that these active dendritic segments were contacted by PAPs originating from 3–6 distinct astrocytes. Notably, these astrocytic processes extended directly and specifically toward each active dendritic segment. Despite the convergence of processes from multiple astrocytes at the level of dendritic segment, individual dendritic spines were typically contacted by PAPs from only a single astrocyte, indicating highly organized astrocyte-synapse interactions.

Our findings suggest the possibility that astrocytic processes dynamically reorganize in response to experience, contributing to synapse-specific modulation during motor learning.

In addition, I will briefly report our recent progress in developing EM image alignment method using image processing tool, FEABS (Finite-Element Assisted Brain Assembly System; https://github.com/YuelongWu/feabas ) and an automated dense segmentation pipeline for large-scale EM datasets.

All are welcome!

17th Canadian Science Policy Conference

Toward a resilient future for Canada: Mobilizing science, knowledge and innovation

sciencepolicy.ca/conference/cspc-2025/

Seminar Speaker: Dr. Johanna Montgomery, Professor, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Seminar title: Plasticity in the central and peripheral nervous systems and its role in disorders of the brain and heart

Location:  Virtual, TEAMS

Time*:  2 pm - 3 pm (AST)

Date:  November, 20, 2025

THRIVE Learning Centre for Mental Wellness and Well-Being 
November THRIVE Workshops are LIVE!

This month’s sessions are designed to help navigate grief, rebuild confidence, manage anxiety, and heal from trauma.

Each one-hour workshop offers practical tools, meaningful connection, and space to support your mental health journey.

 
November 19 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | On Zoom - Never Give Up: Regaining Confidence and Building Resilience  
Do you ever feel like self-doubt, anxiety, or life’s challenges are holding you back from becoming your best self? You’re not alone. 

In this  workshop, we’ll explore common barriers that can get in the way of achieving your goals and share practical strategies to help you overcome obstacles, build confidence, and stay motivated on your path forward. 

Register

THRIVE workshops are:

• Free

• Virtual

• Open to all Nova Scotians

  THRIVE is a virtual learning centre that provides accessible, low-barrier mental health education, equipping individuals with the skills and tools to promote and support their mental well-being. 

Title: 

Speaker: JJ Parker, MSc Student, Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University 

Date: Tuesday, November 18th, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm  

Location: 3H-01 Tupper Building

Description: 

Seminar Speaker: Shernaz X. Bamji - Professor, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Co-Director, Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health Founding Member, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Canada.

Seminar title: Posttranslational palmitoylation in brain development and disease

Location:  Virtual, TEAMS

Time:  1 pm - 2 pm (AST)

Date:  November 13th, 2025