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New horizons in neuroscience: How does expanded microscopy reveal the mysteries of the brain?
Extended microscopy (ExM) is a revolutionary sample preparation technology that allows scientists to identify small structures with greater precision, thereby unlocking many unknown mysteries in biological samples. By introducing polymer networks and using chemical reactions to physically expand them, ExM can increase the size of biological structures to more than sixteen times their original size, making these structures visible under conventional microscopes.
ExM's ability to identify small structures using standard equipment makes it ideal for many laboratories.
Principle of extended microscope
Due to its resolution limitations, traditional optical microscopes often cannot reliably distinguish some small structures important for biological functions. By expanding the microscope, scientists can make the samples they are analyzing more clearly visible. This technique involves multiple steps, including staining, linking, digestion, and expansion. Each step is critical and the process must be strictly followed to ensure clear results.
Historical background
In 2015, researchers at MIT first proposed extended microscopy as a way to improve microscope resolution. With the gradual development of this technology, the application scenarios of extended microscopes are also expanding.
In the study of biological samples, extended microscopy has become an important technology and makes early diagnosis of diseases possible.
Extended microscopy applications
Extended microscopy is mainly used in the analysis of biological samples. It enables the images taken by optical microscopes to have higher resolution, especially in the inspection of small physiological structures. In addition, in terms of pathology and diagnosis, extended microscopes provide a clear view of medical images, helping doctors identify early lesions and support disease diagnosis.
Breakthroughs in Neuroscience
In the field of neuroscience, understanding the molecules and structures within neural circuits often presents challenges. Extended microscopy provides a larger observable range, allowing neuroscientists to more easily map synapses and neural circuits.
Many neuroscientists use this technology to gain insights into how the brain works.
Future Outlook
The development of extended microscopy techniques will undoubtedly play a key role in future neuroscience research. With the advancement of technology, nanoscale observation of human organs is becoming more and more feasible, providing more possibilities for early prediction and diagnosis of diseases.
Through continuous improvement and innovation, extended microscopy may not only become an indispensable tool in biomedical research, but how will it also revolutionize the way we understand the complexity of the brain?
