MIT's DEEP: Revolutionizing Deep-Tissue Imaging Speed and Resolution
A groundbreaking technique, DEEPSEEK, has been developed by a team from MIT for high-speed, high-resolution deep-tissue imaging. Published in Science Advances (DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay5496), this method promises to revolutionize biological research.
DEEPSEEK, developed by Dushan N. Wadduwage and his team, uses near-infrared laser light and a specific excitation pattern to penetrate deep into biological tissue. It is 100 to 1,000 times faster than existing technologies, reducing imaging time from months to days.
The technique uses computational imaging to descatter images and reconstruct structural features from millions of measurements. It can image hundreds of microns deep through scattering tissue, matching the depth of point-scanning techniques. Microscopists have long grappled with the challenge of balancing image quality and speed in deep-tissue imaging of living subjects. DEEPSEEK's potential to capture fast biological processes, like neuron firing, and image larger volumes of tissue at once is immense. Successful demonstrations in live mouse brains have already been achieved.
DEEPSEEK, currently in its early development phase, holds great promise for advancing our understanding of biological processes. Its ability to image deep into tissue quickly and with high resolution could lead to significant breakthroughs in neuroscience and other fields. Further development and refinement of this technique are eagerly anticipated.
