Solution makes tissue transparent

Caitlin Stier, contributor

(Image: RIKEN)

This mouse embryo gets an all clear for fluorescent imaging thanks to Scale, a new solution that turns tissue transparent without distorting its shape. Developed by Atsushi Miyawaki of the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan and colleagues, Scale could help researchers peer within tissues without destructive incisions.

After incubating the tissue in a concentrated urea solution for two weeks (right), the researchers could study the fine structure of the brain in 3D with the help of fluorescent markers. The images revealed neuronal connections and blood vessels deep within the embryo's brain at new depths and sub-cellular resolution. The affordable experimental prep could help scientists probe a variety of other tissues and creatures clearly.

Journal reference: Nature Neuroscience, DOI: 10.1038/nn.2928

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/17dc1c64/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Cblogs0Cshortsharpscience0C20A110C0A80Csolution0Emakes0Etissue0Etranspar0Bhtml0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm

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