Photonics Spectra: medical This is the syndication feed for Photonics Spectra: medical. https://www.photonics.com/Splash.aspx?Tag=medical Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:35:05 GMT Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT 1800 AI and Laser Tech Automate Rapid Sorting and Analysis of Live Cells
To realize the potential of personalized medicine and overcome crisis situations like the recent pandemic, labs need an efficient way to isolate living cells for analysis and testing. The ability to isolate specific cell types without impairing cell vitality is also necessary to advance pharmaceutical research.

In response to this need, the Fraunhofer Institutes of Laser Technology (ILT) and Production Technology (IPT) developed an AI-assisted tool that automatically sorts and isolates living cells from samples using a high-throughput process. The technology, called LIFTOSCOPE, combines high-speed microscopy, AI-based analysis, and localization of living cells and cell clusters with laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT).
The MIR...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/AI_and_Laser_Tech_Automate_Rapid_Sorting_and/p5/a69836 A69836 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Multicolor Photochromic Fibers Deliver Interactive Wearable Displays
Fiber, as a wearable material, offers breathability, flexibility, and resistance to wear, making it an ideal substrate for wearable devices. Using mature textile technology, color-changing fibers can be integrated into clothing to serve as an interface between humans and computers. The use of light-emitting, color-changing fiber as an interface for communications, navigation, healthcare, and Internet of Things is expected to grow.

Inspired by photochromic fibers that exhibit fluorescence effects and polymer optical fibers that emit light when coupled with an external source, scientists from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Nanjing University created a multicolored, uniformly luminescent, photochromic fiber. They...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Multicolor_Photochromic_Fibers_Deliver/p5/a69817 A69817 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Memory Element Enhances a Human Sight-Mimicking Quantum System
Collaborating researchers from Hong Kong, China, and Germany have developed a quantum-sensing technology that encodes changes in fluorescence intensity into spikes that occur during optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements. The image capture technology uses a neuromorphic vision sensor designed to mimic the human vision system.

According to the researchers, the sensing mechanism is more efficient than traditional methods, which, they said, are commonly limited in terms of frame rate and dynamic range, among other aspects. The proposed system delivers highly compressed data volumes and reduced latency by enabling enhanced sensitivity and temporal resolution — all using an off-the-shelf event camera.

An...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Memory_Element_Enhances_a_Human_Sight-Mimicking/p5/a69799 A69799 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Photoacoustic Device Probes Tissue with Low-Cost Laser Diodes
Photoacoustic (PA) technologies offer a noninvasive approach to probing biological tissues, but have seen limited use in clinical applications, partially due to bulky, expensive laser sources. A compact PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, powered by laser diodes, could provide clinicians with a practical, effective tool for evaluating breast disease.

By providing a cost-effective path to tissue diagnosis, the compact PA sensing instrument could bridge the gap between PA research and its practical application. The instrument is the work of a research team from the Indian Institute of Technology Indore.

The researchers integrated multiple laser diodes for PA excitation within a compact casing and developed a...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Photoacoustic_Device_Probes_Tissue_with_Low-Cost/p5/a69779 A69779 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
DMD-Based SIM Attains Fast Superresolution Bioimaging in 3D
Although structured illumination microscopy (SIM) demonstrates ultrahigh temporal and spatial resolution, the speed and intricacy of polarization modulation affect the speed and quality of its imaging resolution in 3D.

A 3DSIM technique, developed by a team led by professor Peng Xi at Peking University, leverages digital display technology to achieve a rapid, reliable, multidimensional SIM imaging tool for investigating diverse biological phenomena. The new microscopy technique blends 3D superresolution and fast temporal resolution with polarization imaging. To do so, it combines the polarization-maintaining and modulation capabilities of a digital micromirror device (DMD) with an electro-optic modulator (EOM).

A DMD uses the...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/DMD-Based_SIM_Attains_Fast_Superresolution/p5/a69775 A69775 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Aktiia, Optical Health Monitoring Firm, Gains $30M in Funding
Photoplethysmography is a noninvasive optical measurement technique that uses a light source and a photodetector at the surface of the skin to measure volumetric variations of blood circulation. Since Aktiia's device debuted in the U.K. in 2021, the company has acquired more...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Aktiia_Optical_Health_Monitoring_Firm_Gains/p5/a69769 A69769 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Terahertz Biosensor Allows Early Skin Cancer Detection
Researchers have developed a biosensor using metasurfaces to detect terahertz radiation, a development that enables early detection of skin sensor. The work is the result of a collaboration between Queen Mary University of London and the University of Glasgow.

According to postdoctoral researcher at Queen Mary University Shohreh Nourinovin, traditional methods of detecting skin cancers are often expensive, time-consuming, and involve CT and PET scans and invasive higher frequency technology. “Our biosensor offers a noninvasive and highly efficient solution, leveraging the unique properties of terahertz waves — a type of radiation with lower energy than x-rays, thus safe for humans — to detect subtle changes in cell...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Terahertz_Biosensor_Allows_Early_Skin_Cancer/p5/a69770 A69770 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Spiral Lens Extends Focal Length and Depth of Vision in Changing Conditions
A new, spiral-shaped lens could make consistently clear vision possible for people with lens implants or age-related farsightedness. The spiral diopter works similarly to progressive lenses used for vision correction, while foregoing the often-found distortions. Its spiral shape creates many separate points of focus, allowing the user to see clearly at different distances and in various light conditions.

In addition to advancing contact lens technologies and intraocular implants for cataracts, the spiral diopter lens could be used to miniaturize imaging systems while maintaining their optical quality.

According to the researchers, the spiral diopter lenses are superior to conventional trifocal lenses at larger apertures for...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Spiral_Lens_Extends_Focal_Length_and_Depth_of/p5/a69734 A69734 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Shortwave System Captures Photoluminescence Lifetime in One Shot
An imaging system developed by researchers from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) captures the photoluminescence lifetimes of rare-earth doped nanoparticles in the micro- to millisecond range. The high-precision shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging technique paves the way for application in biomedical and information security where accuracy and dependability are essential.

Rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) possess unusual light-emitting properties that researchers find useful, like the ability to emit in the UV, visible, and SWIR ranges. The photoluminescence lifetime of RENPs has the advantage of being minimally affected by external conditions. As a result, measuring it through imaging provides data from...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Shortwave_System_Captures_Photoluminescence/p5/a69728 A69728 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Optoacoustic Imaging Reveals Scope of Pancreatic Cancer at Early Stage
A research project led by Lacey McNally and Ajay Jain, MD, professors of surgery at the University of Oklahoma’s OU College of Medicine will investigate the technique's efficacy in evaluating the spread of pancreatic cancer. McNally and Jain received a $3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health to fund the...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Optoacoustic_Imaging_Reveals_Scope_of_Pancreatic/p5/a69714 A69714 Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Bruker Makes Fourth and Fifth Acquisitions of 2024
In separate transactions, Bruker has acquired preclinical in-vivo optical imaging systems company Spectral Instruments Imaging (SII), and Nanophoton Corporation, a provider of advanced research Raman microscopy systems. Financial terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

With the deals, Bruker has made five acquisitions since the start of 2024.
Bruker has acquired Nanophoton Corporation, developer of the RAMANtouch high-speed Raman microscope (shown). The company also acquired Spectral Instruments Imaging (SII), a provider of preclinical in-vivo optical imaging systems. Courtesy of Bruker via Business Wire. Established in 2009 in Tucson, Ariz., SII’s technology supports co-registered bioluminescence, fluorescence, and...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Bruker_Makes_Fourth_and_Fifth_Acquisitions_of_2024/p5/a69699 A69699 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:02:55 GMT
High-Throughput Imaging Reveals Multi-Particle Cellular Activity
A new software program can map the movements of multiple particles within cells simultaneously, providing insight into cellular functions that are difficult — and sometimes impossible — to investigate using single-cell tracking methods.

The software, developed by researchers at the University of Bonn and Wageningen University and Research, speeds the high-throughput process used to observe molecules in cells, enabling fivefold shorter measurement times than single-particle tracking, according to the researchers.

In single-particle tracking, the molecule is marked with fluorescent light, and hundreds of photos per second are taken using a high-resolution microscope. By looking at the gaps between molecules and the...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/High-Throughput_Imaging_Reveals_Multi-Particle/p5/a69694 A69694 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Retinal OCT and Genetics Identify Links Between Ocular and Systemic Health
A study conducted by Mass Eye and Ear, the Broad Institute at MIT, and Harvard Medical School has demonstrated links between the thinning of different retinal layers and an increased risk of disease. The work used OCT retinal images and genetic data from thousands of UK Biobank participants and could serve to advance the use of OCT to predict ocular disease and inspire further research on disease prediction beyond the eye.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 44,000 UK Biobank participants who underwent OCT retinal imaging and genotyping in 2010. The participants were subsequently followed for an average of 10 years.

The team performed a cross-phenotype analysis using OCT images from the UK Biobank and identified...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Retinal_OCT_and_Genetics_Identify_Links_Between/p5/a69689 A69689 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Machine Learning Hones Ability to Image Liver Disease
A research team at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) has combined NIR hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) and machine learning to assess lipid content in the liver. The technique enables noninvasive diagnosis of steatotic liver disease (SLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which includes a range of conditions caused by fat buildup in the liver due to abnormal lipid metabolism.

Conventional testing for SLD has relied on performing biopsies, in which a tissue sample is taken from the liver for analysis. The method developed by TUS professor Kohei Soga and his team uses NIR light to visualize lipid content in the liver. NIR wavelengths can be used to identify fat distribution in the liver because they are long...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Machine_Learning_Hones_Ability_to_Image_Liver/p5/a69670 A69670 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Optofluidic Device Tests for Blood Disorders at Point of Care
Abnormalities in white blood cell count are indicative of a blood disorder. Measuring these abnormalities is imperative. However, the use of flow cytometry and other conventional methods to assess white blood cell concentration is confined to hospital and laboratory settings due to the bulkiness and complexity of the equipment.

Access to such equipment in remote areas presents challenges concerning early diagnosis for patients. Portable blood cell analyzers could alleviate these challenges and enable an earlier start on treatment.

Researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology, Peking University, and the Beijing Institute of Collaborative Innovation developed a Smart Palm-sized Optofluidic Hematology Analyzer for automated,...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Optofluidic_Device_Tests_for_Blood_Disorders_at/p5/a69661 A69661 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
AI-aided Implant Captures Deep Brain Images
A neural implant developed at the University of California San Diego could help advance the path to minimally invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The implant provides high-resolution data about deep neural activity by recording at the brain’s surface.

Built by a team led by professor Duygu Kuzum, the implant consists of a thin, transparent, flexible polymer strip that conforms to the brain’s surface. The strip is embedded with high-density arrays of graphene microelectrodes that enable up to 256 channels.

The graphene microelectrodes have ultrasmall openings and large, transparent recording areas. The diameter of the microelectrodes is scaled down to 20 μm. Each electrode in the implant is...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/AI-aided_Implant_Captures_Deep_Brain_Images/p5/a69653 A69653 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Raman Approach Safely Tracks Live-Cell RNA Expression
Single-cell RNA sequencing enables scientists to interrogate cells at extraordinary resolution and scale. However, the sequencing process destroys the cell, making it difficult to use the technique to study ongoing changes in gene expression.

Raman microscopy measures the vibrational energy levels of proteins and metabolites in a nondestructive manner at subcellular spatial resolution, but it is unable to interpret genetic information.

“RNA sequencing gives you extremely detailed information, but it’s destructive,” researcher Koseki Kobayashi-Kirschvink said. “Raman is noninvasive, but it doesn’t tell you anything about RNA.”

A new technique developed at MIT combines the advantages of...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Raman_Approach_Safely_Tracks_Live-Cell_RNA/p5/a69651 A69651 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Compact Thermal Imaging System Created with Spinning Metasurfaces
Researchers have developed a technology that uses meta-optical devices to perform thermal imaging. The approach captures richer information about imaged objects, including spectral and polarization details, which could broaden the use of thermal imaging in fields such as autonomous navigation, security, thermography, medical imaging, and remote sensing.

According to research team leader Zubin Jacob, the method is able to overcome limitations of traditional spectral imagers, which are often bulky and fragile due to their reliance on large filter wheels or interferometers. “We combined meta-optical devices and cutting-edge computational imaging algorithms to create a system that is both compact and robust while also having a...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Compact_Thermal_Imaging_System_Created_with/p5/a69635 A69635 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
ABB Acquires Real Tech; Kopin Receives $20.5M Weapon Optics Contract: Week in Brief: 1/12/24
ABB, a leader in electrification and automation technology, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Canadian-based Real Tech, a supplier of optical sensor technology that enables real-time water monitoring and testing. Real Tech has more than 10,000 installed solutions in municipal water and wastewater, along with other industries, and will add to ABB’s presence in the water management segment. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2024. The financial terms were not disclosed.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — Kopin Corporation, a provider of micro-displays and optical solutions, has received a $20.5 million contract to provide a new thermal weapon sight eyepiece configuration for a Department of Defense prime...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/ABB_Acquires_Real_Tech_Kopin_Receives_205M/p5/a69633 A69633 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT
Optical-Plasmonic SERS Platform Clocks Molecular Systems
An optical plasmonic tweezer-controlled surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform developed by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) enables efficient, high-throughput, single-molecule characterization in solution. It has the potential to uncover hidden molecular mechanisms that can affect the health of people living with type 2 diabetes.

Existing single-molecule approaches are limited to ultra-dilution or molecular immobilization because their diffraction-limited detection volume cannot be further reduced. These methods hinder the ability to study the dynamic actions of these molecules, necessitating the development of advanced single-molecule methods.

In a recent breakthrough, the research team led...]]>
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Optical-Plasmonic_SERS_Platform_Clocks_Molecular/p5/a69626 A69626 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:00 GMT