Seen through fish and salamanders: scientists have developed a new microscope
The new microscope allows you to see fish and salamanders through and through. The development of scientists from the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna is described in the journal Science Advances.
The analysis of individual cells in the context of whole organs or tissues is becoming increasingly important for the development of biology. Until now, the standard approach has been to cut large tissues into thin layers, study each of them, and then combine the information into a three-dimensional model.
This is a laborious process that often produces incomplete results. For example, the cells that make up our nervous system have long branches that can spread throughout the body. Reconstruction of such projections from small pieces is extremely difficult.
In order to solve this problem, the researchers created a system of "transillumination" of animals, which consist of soft and fairly transparent tissues, using a microscope. The DEEP-Clear method involves the removal of certain pigments, which allows scientists to literally see animals through.
The researchers found that a combination of different chemical treatment methods has a synergistic effect - this allowed for rapid depigmentation and tissue cleaning.
According to the authors of the work, the new system allows you to deeply study the organs and nervous system of animals, from squids and worms to fish and salamanders. At the same time, organs and tissues can be studied entirely without cutting.
The analysis of individual cells in the context of whole organs or tissues is becoming increasingly important for the development of biology. Until now, the standard approach has been to cut large tissues into thin layers, study each of them, and then combine the information into a three-dimensional model.
This is a laborious process that often produces incomplete results. For example, the cells that make up our nervous system have long branches that can spread throughout the body. Reconstruction of such projections from small pieces is extremely difficult.
In order to solve this problem, the researchers created a system of "transillumination" of animals, which consist of soft and fairly transparent tissues, using a microscope. The DEEP-Clear method involves the removal of certain pigments, which allows scientists to literally see animals through.
The researchers found that a combination of different chemical treatment methods has a synergistic effect - this allowed for rapid depigmentation and tissue cleaning.
According to the authors of the work, the new system allows you to deeply study the organs and nervous system of animals, from squids and worms to fish and salamanders. At the same time, organs and tissues can be studied entirely without cutting.
