Finding Tumors with a Laser
A collaboration of German research labs has come up with a way to image tumors at an early stage with a laser-enabled endoscope. As this piece asserts, “. . . alternative means have to be found that enable fast and accurate in vivo diagnosis—the basis of clinical decision making. In this context, molecular spectroscopic approaches offer the potential to characterize biological tissues in a non-invasive way via their intrinsic chemical properties. In particular, nonlinear optical imaging modalities like coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), second harmonic generation (SHG), and two-photon excited auto-fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy have been demonstrated as valuable diagnostic tools with the potential to complement conventional staining protocols. To extend the applicability of this multimodal microscopic approach under in vivo conditions, flexible fiber probes for an endoscopic assessment of difficult to reach regions are required.” MORE
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