Overview
- Kyushu University researchers introduced SeeDB-Live, an albumin-based solution that matches the extracellular refractive index to about 1.36–1.37 to reduce light scattering in living tissue.
- Mouse brain slices became transparent within roughly one hour, and in vivo two-photon imaging showed about threefold brighter fluorescence from deep cortical neurons, enabling clear views of layer 5.
- Authors report minimal effects on neuronal electrophysiology and sensory responses in vivo, with no detectable toxicity to neurons or behavior.
- The clearing effect washes out within hours, returning tissue optics to baseline and allowing repeated imaging sessions in the same animal.
- The team notes practical limits that include the need for a surgical cranial window and challenges delivering the reagent beyond the brain, with future work aimed at less invasive delivery and deeper penetration.