Holographic Endoscope Illuminating the Brain

A European research team from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Belgium is developing an innovative imaging technology to visualise neuronal processes in living organisms with high precision.

The NEUROGATE project focuses on creating a holographic endoscope that can penetrate deep into the brain using an ultra-thin optical fibre, making it a minimally invasive option with subcellular resolution.

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is providing €2.5 million in funding to advance this technology and assess its application in biomedical research.

The holographic endoscope uses a multimode optical fibre thinner than human hair. It enables long-term observation of neuronal circuits in deep brain regions, even in freely moving organisms. This advancement provides new perspectives for studying neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.