Blown up brain cells’ connections and chemistry traced at incredible molecular resolution

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Source: © Mojtaba R Tavakoli et al 2025

Microscopy on tissue swollen to 16 times its normal size can help unravel neural structures

The connections between brain cells have been mapped with unprecedented molecular resolution using a new light-microscopy technique that swells and blows up brain tissue without significantly distorting it. The researchers believe the technique, which should be accessible for most labs, could provide new insights into neuroscience and could also be useful in other tissues.