Optical Brain Imaging: A Powerful Tool for Neuroscience

Neurosci Bull. 2017 Feb;33(1):95-102. doi: 10.1007/s12264-016-0053-6. Epub 2016 Aug 17.

Abstract

As the control center of organisms, the brain remains little understood due to its complexity. Taking advantage of imaging methods, scientists have found an accessible approach to unraveling the mystery of neuroscience. Among these methods, optical imaging techniques are widely used due to their high molecular specificity and single-molecule sensitivity. Here, we overview several optical imaging techniques in neuroscience of recent years, including brain clearing, the micro-optical sectioning tomography system, and deep tissue imaging.

Keywords: Brain imaging; Deep tissue imaging; MOST; Optical microscopy; Tissue clearing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Neuroimaging*
  • Neurosciences / instrumentation
  • Neurosciences / methods