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Oxygen delivery on display

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to visualize the coupling between neuronal activity and oxygen delivery at the cellular scale. This breakthrough could have profound implications for studying neurodegenerative disease, stroke, and other conditions connected to neurovascular coupling.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2026

New imaging technique reveals the inner workings of immune cells

Researchers have developed a nondestructive imaging technique to measure single-cell immune metabolism in real patient blood samples, providing a higher level of information than current clinical techniques. This breakthrough could improve disease diagnosis and treatment for conditions like blood cancers, lupus, and sepsis.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Garvan scientists capture ‘housekeeping’ immune cells attacking live melanoma

Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research captured 'housekeeping' immune cells actively attacking and engulfing live melanoma cells. These macrophages patrol the edges of melanoma tumours, steadily engulfing cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. The discovery has big implications for immunotherapy.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

The mouse eye as a window to spotting systemic disease

A new technology allows for clear observation of living retina and microglia's behavior, revealing their increased activity before tissue damage in diabetic mice. The study found that the diabetes drug liraglutide reduced microglia's activity in healthy mice too, suggesting a direct modulation mechanism.

SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2025

Decoding the brainstem: A new window into brain–body–mind interactions

Researchers developed a live brainstem imaging method to study the nucleus tractus solitarii's role in emotion regulation and body-brain interactions. The D-PSCAN technique enabled high-resolution visualization of NTS neural activity in response to vagus nerve stimulation and gut hormone cholecystokinin, shedding light on potential the...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2025

New microscope offers faster, high-resolution brain imaging

Researchers developed a new two-photon fluorescence microscope that captures high-speed images of neural activity at cellular resolution, providing insights into brain function and neurological diseases. The microscope uses an adaptive sampling scheme to image neurons in real time, reducing damage to brain tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateAug 15, 2024

Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

Absorption of light by molecules has applications in microscopy, medicine and data storage

A Brazilian physicist has developed an alternative method that reduces calculation time for simulating light absorption by molecules from two days to a few hours. This allows for high-resolution microscopy and the creation of precise 3D structures for data storage, with potential applications in medicinal treatments.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 11, 2023

New method for detecting blood circulation problems in brain capillaries

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.

Technology advance could expand the reach of 3D nanoprinting

Researchers develop low-cost 3D nanoprinting system with nanometer-level accuracy for printing microlenses, metamaterials, and micro-optical devices. The system uses a two-step absorption process and integrated fiber-coupled laser diode, making it accessible to scientists beyond optical experts.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 9, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Fiber sensing scientists invent 3D printed fiber microprobe for measuring in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cell

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a compact fiber optical nanomechanical probe (FONP) to measure in vivo biomechanical properties of tissue and even single cells. The high-precision mechanical sensing system enables accurate measurements with spring constants as low as 2.1 nanonewtons.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 10, 2023

Sparse, small, but diverse neural connections help make perception reliable, efficient

Researchers mapped every thalamic synapse on 15 neurons in layer 2/3 of the visual cortex in mice and found that despite being weak and sparse, they are reliable and efficient representatives of information. The diversity of thalamic inputs underlies these advantages, allowing a small population of neurons to assemble the overall picture.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Human brain organoids implanted into mouse cortex respond to visual stimuli for first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human brain organoids implanted in mice can establish functional connectivity and respond to external sensory stimuli, including visual cues. The breakthrough uses a combination of transparent graphene microelectrode arrays and two-photon imaging, enabling real-time observation of neural ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system developed by University of Rochester researchers could mean near-instant biopsy results

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system that can detect basal cell carcinoma with perfect accuracy and squamous cell carcinoma with high accuracy. The system shortens the biopsy process to two minutes, enabling immediate treatment decisions for patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

New endoscope uses bendable GRIN lens for 3D microscopy

Researchers have developed a flexible endoscopic imaging probe using a bendable graded index (GRIN) lens, enabling 3D microscopic imaging of tissue. The new technology could shorten biopsy waiting times to minutes and enable real-time monitoring of tissue changes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 21, 2022

Nanoscale lattices flow from 3D printer

Rice materials scientists develop a method to print arbitrary 3D shapes, creating micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices. The process involves two-photon polymerization and doping with rare earth salts for photoluminescent properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Observing the freely behaving brain in action

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft have created a miniature microscope that can capture neural activity in all cortical layers of freely behaving rats. This breakthrough technology allows for continuous imaging of neuron populations, even during complex behaviors, providing insights into the brain's circuit dynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 19, 2020

Computational approach speeds up advanced microscopy imaging

Researchers have developed a way to enhance the imaging speed of two-photon microscopy up to five times without sacrificing resolution. By combining compressive sensing with a faster scanning method, scientists can now observe biological phenomena that were previously too fleeting to image with current state-of-the-art microscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 27, 2019

A new way to watch brain activity in action

New technology tracks brain cell interactions in mice, shedding light on neuronal activity and potential insights into brain disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. The device captures three-dimensional images of neurons flashing on and off as they communicate with each other.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 7, 2018

Researchers watch blood vessels develop in whole Zebrafish embryos

Researchers have successfully visualized the development of blood vessels in zebrafish embryos without labels or contrast agents, enabling better understanding of brain and cardiovascular diseases. The new study uses optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy to provide three-dimensional images with high spatial resolution.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 30, 2017

Two-photon imaging of Meissner's corpuscle mechanoreceptors in living tissue

Researchers developed an in vivo imaging method to observe Meissner's corpuscle mechanoreceptors in living tissue using two-photon microscopy. This method could unlock the mechanism of touch sensitivity and provide a novel diagnostic tool for neural diseases. The study's findings have applications to human health, particularly in under...

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Haptics·DateAug 30, 2016

Beating the limits of the light microscope, one photon at a time

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a technique to simultaneously image with multiphoton fluorescence and second-harmonic generation, achieving nanoscale resolution. This breakthrough enables the observation of previously inaccessible structures in living tissue, opening up new avenues for biological research.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2016

New method could offer more precise treatment for corneal disease

Researchers developed a new technique to selectively stiffen corneal tissue using two-photon absorption, enabling precise crosslinking without damaging the innermost layer. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for keratoconus patients and may also be useful for tissue engineering applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 4, 2016

New method for imaging marmoset brains

Researchers developed a new system to image individual neurons in the marmoset brain, overcoming limitations with two-photon microscopy. This allows for long-term study of neural activity related to cognitive and social behaviors.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 2015