Imaging the lung: the old ways and the new

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary research
• Developmental biology
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Understanding lung biology requires studying embryonic and postnatal development.
• Disease processes can significantly perturb normal lung development.
• Imaging techniques offer critical insights into lung structure and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common and novel imaging techniques for pulmonary research.
• To assess the advantages and disadvantages of various imaging modalities.
• To enhance the understanding of lung development and disease through imaging.

Main Methods:

• Histological stains
• Single plane illumination microscopy (SPIM)
• Intravital microscopy (IVM)
• Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)

Main Results:

• A diverse range of imaging techniques are available for lung research.
• Each technique provides unique information with specific strengths and limitations.
• Novel methods offer advanced capabilities for studying lung biology.

Conclusions:

• Imaging is essential for advancing our knowledge of lung biology.
• A comprehensive understanding of available techniques is crucial for effective pulmonary research.
• Future research can benefit from the application of these diverse imaging tools.