Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Deep-Tissue Three-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy in Intact Mouse and Zebrafish Brain
Published on: January 13, 2022
Three-photon imaging of mouse brain structure and function through the intact skull
Tianyu Wang1, Dimitre G Ouzounov2, Chunyan Wu2
1School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. tw329@cornell.edu.
Abstract:
Optical imaging through the intact mouse skull is challenging because of skull-induced aberrations and scattering. We found that three-photon excitation provided improved optical sectioning compared with that obtained with two-photon excitation, even when we used the same excitation wavelength and imaging system. Here we demonstrate three-photon imaging of vasculature through the adult mouse skull at >500-μm depth, as well as GCaMP6s calcium imaging over weeks in cortical layers 2/3 and 4 in awake mice, with 8.5 frames per second and a field of view spanning hundreds of micrometers.
Related Concept Videos
Structural Protein Function
Collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is found throughout the body. In connective tissue, such as skin, ligaments, and tendons, it provides tensile strength and elasticity. In bones and teeth, it mineralizes to...
Structural Protein Function
Fruit Development, Structure, and Function
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Structure and Function of Leukocytes
White blood cells protect the body...

