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Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue. A new microscopy technique that enables high-resolution imaging could one day help doctors diagnose and treat brain tumors.

Using a microscopy technique known as expansion-mediated protein decrowding, researchers imaged human brain tissue in greater detail than ever before, revealing cells and structures that were not previously visible. They discovered some brain tumors called gliomas contain many more putative aggressive tumor cells than expected.

Using a novel microscopy technique, MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School researchers have imaged human brain tissue in greater detail than ever before, revealing cells and structures that were not previously visible. The new study resulted in a decrowding technique for use with human brain tissue samples that are used in clinical settings for pathological diagnosis and to guide treatment decisions. It also proves the profound impact of having clinicians like us at the Brigham and Women’s interacting with basic scientists such as Ed Boyden at MIT to discover new technologies that can improve patient lives,” Chiocca says.

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