Researchers have unveiled an advanced two-photon fluorescence microscope that captures high-speed images of neural activity at cellular resolution, significantly enhancing our understanding of brain function. This innovative approach employs an adaptive sampling scheme combined with line illumination, allowing for faster imaging and reduced tissue damage compared to traditional methods. By selectively illuminating active neurons, the microscope can observe real-time neuronal communication, potentially facilitating breakthroughs in treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The new technology, described in a study published in Optica, achieves imaging speeds up to ten times faster than conventional methods while decreasing the laser power used, thus minimizing harm to brain tissue. It utilizes a digital micromirror device (DMD) to precisely target active neurons and dynamically shape the light beam. This capability enables researchers to gain insights into the dynamics of neural networks, crucial for understanding essential brain functions such as learning and memory.
The microscope also demonstrated its effectiveness by capturing calcium signals in living mouse brain tissue at unprecedented speeds of 198 Hz. Future enhancements include integrating voltage imaging for real-time readings of neural activity, promising significant implications for neuroscience research and practical applications.
