Optogenetics, as a technology developed in the early 2000s, combines optical and genetic technologies to precisely control the special neuron activities in living animals, even in the intracerebral, spinal, and peripheral nerves of freely moving animals. Optogenesis is widely recognized by the scientific community for its continuous development and improvement, even selected as the method of the year 2010 by the Journal of Nature Methods, and recognized as one of 10 breakthroughs in the last decade. Depression is a severe chronic mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as low mood, loss of interest, reduced motivation, and suicidal thoughts. According to the latest estimates from the WHO, approximately 350 million people around the world suffer from depression. However, current treatments are still not satisfactory because of the main focuses only on prevention, psychological interventions, and the side effects after the taking of drugs and physical treatments. The development of Optogenesis offers the potential for comprehending the mechanisms of depression and developing new treatments.
This program, in collaboration with experts in the field of brain science from national research institutions, leads students to deeply understanding the developments and principles of Optogenesis, and carring experimental research on the mechanisms of depression nosogenesis based on Optogenesis.

Teaching Faculty

Specially invited experts in the field of Brain Cognition and Brain Disease.

Cutting-edge Topics

Systematically learning the development of neurosciences and the applications of Optogenesis in the field of biomedicine.

Real Lab Practice

Conduct experiments of stereotactic Brain Experiment, mouse dissection, animal anxiety behavior, etc.

Outcome Application

Research Outcomes used for the prevention and treatment of affective disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc.

Main Experiments

Mouse Dissection

Stereotactic Brain Experiment

Animal Anxiety Behavior Experiment

Mouse Dissection

Stereotactic Brain Experiment

Animal Anxiety Behavior Experiment

Certificates

CERTIFICATE OF ASDAN SCIENCE

ASDAN SCIENCE SHORT COURSES CREDIT ACCREDITED BY UCAS

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION ISSUED BY XLAB CHINA

项目感言

精彩瞬间

Why Us

History

XLAB has a 20+ year history. It was initiated by Professor Neher of the University of Göttingen in Germany and strongly supported by the German government and the University of Göttingen. XLAB, centered around high-end scientific experiments, is widely favored by over 10,000 students yearly. XLAB has established practice centers worldwide, aiming to expand this unique concept and teaching method to reach more students.

XLAB aims to enable more people to learn and experience the joy of science, encouraging them to explore the mysteries of science and consider how to use science to solve human problems. Therefore, XALB's subjects are generally more complex in physics, biology, or medicine. Instead, they focus more on interdisciplinary, cutting-edge topics such as genetic engineering, medical research, nanobiology, medical chemistry, high-energy physics, and more.

Subject

Experiment

Experiments are the core of the XLAB. Each participant can enter advanced laboratories to conduct safe experiments, analyze data, and write experiment reports. Over six hours of scientific research daily enhances students' scientific knowledge and logical thinking and cultivates concentration and endurance. Students will be able to experience the work content and status firsthand and consider whether to choose a research direction in future education.

The courses in XLAB are unique. They consist of four key modules: Subject Introduction and Program Thinking, Scientific Research Teaching, Laboratory Operations, Experimental Data Analysis, and Research Report Writing. All courses are taught in small groups of 10 to 25 students.

Course

Faculty

Experts are invited to design experiments and teach students since the topics and content of XLAB exceed the curriculum of high schools and are specialized in specific research areas. Relevant scientific research institutions support XLAB China and provide an in-depth academic experience for Chinese students based on its unique teaching methods and experimental requirements.

Two authoritative certificates are available: the XLAB Program Certificate of Participation, which details the experimental content and is signed by instructors. Students will complete an academic report containing experimental results and data analysis to apply for the ASDAN "Science Award" Certificate for 30 credit hours of study officially accredited by UCAS.

Certificate

Research

XALB provides invaluable research scenarios for students who plan or are currently engaged in natural science research-oriented learning, such as EPQ or scientific papers, to implement their research plans and participate in hands-on scientific research. Experimental reports can be considered as part of their research achievements.