Future tech: Holographic microscope visualizes living cells in 3D

Korean researchers have developed a new holographic imaging tool capable of viewing and analyzing living cells in 3D without staining, according to a press release from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The tool, known as holotomography (HT-1), uses laser illumination to create a 3D refractive index map of the chemical and structural characteristics of cells.

“As one of the two currently available, high-resolution tomographic microscopes in the world, I believe that the HT-1 is the best in class regarding specifications and functionality,” said KAIST professor YongKeun Park, PhD, in a press release. “Users can see 3D/4D live images of cells, without fixing, coating or staining cells. Sample preparation times are reduced from a few days or hours to just a few minutes.”

The HT-1 was launched by the researchers through a Korean start-up called Tomocube and is currently in use in by Korean hospitals Seoul National University Hospital and Boramae Hospital in Seoul.

Read the press release here.

 

John Hocter,

Digital Editor

With nearly a decade of experience in print and digital publishing, John serves as Content Marketing Manager. His professional skill set includes feature writing, content marketing and social media strategy. A graduate of The Ohio State University, John enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, along with a number of surprisingly mischievous indoor cacti.

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