Neurophotonics
Neurophotonics is a branch of biophotonics that involves the use of light to image and manipulate the structure and function of the nervous system. This field combines various disciplines including neuroscience, optics, and engineering to develop non-invasive, light-based technologies for studying the complex workings of the brain.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Neurophotonics is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the brain's structure and function. It involves the use of optical imaging techniques to visualize the nervous system in real-time, allowing researchers to study neural processes at a level of detail that was previously unattainable.
Techniques[edit | edit source]
Several techniques are commonly used in neurophotonics, including:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging technique uses light to capture micrometer-resolution, three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue).
- Two-photon excitation microscopy: This fluorescence imaging technique allows imaging of living tissue up to about one millimeter in depth. It differs from traditional fluorescence microscopy by using two-photon absorption.
- Optogenetics: This biological technique involves the use of light to control cells in living tissue, typically neurons, that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Neurophotonics has a wide range of applications in both research and clinical settings. It can be used to study various aspects of the nervous system, from the function of individual neurons to the behavior of large networks of neurons. In the clinical setting, neurophotonics can be used to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders, guide surgical procedures, and even treat certain conditions.
Future Directions[edit | edit source]
The field of neurophotonics continues to evolve, with new techniques and applications being developed regularly. Future directions may include the development of more advanced imaging techniques, the integration of neurophotonics with other technologies, and the application of neurophotonics in the treatment of neurological disorders.
| Neurophotonics Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
