Pioneering a New Era in Neuroscience

Chinese scientists have hit a historic milestone by achieving the world’s first high-resolution, multicolour deep-brain imaging in freely moving mice! This groundbreaking technology is set to redefine the landscape of neuroscience research.

Unveiling the Secrets of the Brain

This innovative approach, pioneered by Professor Cheng Heping at Peking University, addresses the long-standing challenge of observing the complex activities of neurons and synapses in real-time. The development of an ultra-light miniature two-photon microscope has made this possible.

A Game-Changer in Imaging Technology

The key to this achievement lies in the creation of a revolutionary ultra-broadband hollow-core fibre, a collaboration with Beijing Information Science and Technology University. Unlike previous technologies, this fibre allows for the transmission of ultrafast laser pulses across multiple wavelengths, enabling multicolour imaging for the very first time.

A Glimpse into Alzheimer’s Research

Weighing just 2.6 grams, the microscope has been applied to mice models with Alzheimer’s disease. It effectively captures red, green, and blue signals, revealing neuronal activity, mitochondrial function, and plaque deposits. Remarkably, the research team observed early abnormalities near plaque formations, providing invaluable insights into the progression of the disease.

A New Dawn for Brain Research

Professor Cheng emphasized that this innovation not only enhances our understanding of brain networks and disease mechanisms but also opens up exciting avenues for drug testing and the development of brain-computer interfaces. The future of brain science is brighter than ever, thanks to this incredible advancement!