A Window Into the Brain: Scientists Are Making Brain Tissue Transparent

Researcher Karl Deisseroth has a new way to improve brain imaging scans. The technique, published in the October issue of Scientific American, makes brain cells transparent by removing lipids, which are usually concentrated in cell membranes. This allows light to seep into the inner structures of the brain.

The technique is one of the studies in higher resolution tools for optogenetics and neural mapping taking place at Deisseroth's labs. Improved imaging will help with the research and treatment of brain illnesses, particularly cancer.

Watch Deissorth explain how he's making the brain transparent below.