Stereology.Info
Stereology.Info, the Stereology Information Center, offers a wide range of information about stereology. This site is designed to introduce both basic and advanced concepts in the field of stereology. The emphasis is on the use of stereology in biological research, though anyone interested in learning the basic concepts of stereology will find something of interest.
The application of stereological methods to biological studies permits researchers to effectively and efficiently gather data. This site is dedicated to help people understand the principles of design-based stereology and its advantages over less sophisticated approaches in quantitative histology.
Stereology is a set of methods designed to ensure rigorous quantitative analysis of the size, shape, and number of objects. When properly used, stereology plays an important role in validating and rejecting experimental hypotheses in biological research. It produces results that are accurate, efficient, and more reliable than other ad hoc quantitative analyses. Stereology provides an important contribution to the advancement in biological research by improving the consistency and dependability of quantitative analytical results produced in the laboratory and reported in scientific publications.
Courses in Stereology
Practical Workshop in Confocal Microscopy and Stereology
Organized by Dr. Daniel Peterson
March 19-23, 2012
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Short Description
The purpose of this intensive, week-long workshop is to provide a comprehensive background in the theory and practice of modern histological preparation and microscopic analysis for researchers in biomedical science. The workshop provides a practical tutorial in all aspects of microscopic analysis including experimental design, specimen preparation, use of fluorescence and confocal microscopes, design-based stereology, and image preparation for scientific publication. A variety of microscopes equipped for stereology are available for use. Participants should bring examples of their material and problems for discussion. In addition to lectures, substantial time is devoted to “hands-on” practical sessions. Attendees participate in group discussion, where they can discuss their research applications and consult with the instructors.
NeuroStereology Workshop – An Introduction to Stereology for Neuroscientists
Organized by Dr. Mark West
March 24-29, 2012
Woodshole, Massachusetts USA
Short Description
The goal of the workshop is to teach a small group of research scientists how to design, supervise, and critically evaluate stereological studies of the nervous system. Stereology is a methodology that provides meaningful quantitative descriptions of the geometry of three-dimensional structures from measurements that are made on two-dimensional images sampled from a structure of interest. The workshop will emphasize modern ”design based” stereology, which is characterized by the preparation and probing of tissue in such a manner that no assumptions about the size, shape, and orientation of the structures being quantified are necessary.
The target audience includes neuroscience research scientists working at the graduate student, post-doctoral, and senior scientists who are interested in the practical application of design based stereological methods. The number of participants will be limited to 30, to ensure robust faculty-student interaction.
Organized by Dr. Wilma D.J. van de Berg and Prof. Dr. Harry B.M Uylings
March 19 – 23, 2012
Dept. of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus
Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center,
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Location: Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center
Short Description
In the Stereology and Morphometry course, the principles of stereology in neuroscience research are introduced and the application of stereological methods and morphometric analysis is trained to be able to effectively and efficiently obtain rigorous quantitative data of objects in three-dimensions.
Note: MBF has a policy of not promoting courses that are taught by commercially affiliated instructors. There are other stereology courses that are offered by organizations that use instructors with direct commercial interests in the products that are demonstrated during these courses. If you have a doubt, ask the instructor directly if they have a commercial affiliation with the products demonstrated at their course. Contact MBF if you have any questions about courses not listed here or about our policy.