Advances in imaging tools have always been a pivotal driver for new discoveries in neuroscience. An ability to visualize neurons and subcellular structures deep within the brain of a freely behaving animal is integral to our understanding of the relationship between neural activity and higher cognitive functions. However, fast high-resolution imaging is limited to sub-surface brain regions and generally requires head fixation of the animal under the microscope. Developing new approaches to address these challenges is critical. The last decades have seen rapid progress in minimally invasive endo-microscopy techniques based on bare optical fibers. A single multimode fiber can be used to penetrate deep into the brain without causing significant damage to the overlying structures and provide high-resolution imaging. Here, we discuss how the full potential of high-speed super-resolution fiber endoscopy can be realized by a holistic approach that combines fiber optics, light shaping, and advanced computational algorithms. The recent progress opens up new avenues for minimally invasive deep brain studies in freely behaving mice.

中文翻译：

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用于计算脑成像的多模光纤内窥镜

成像工具的进步一直是神经科学新发现的关键驱动力。可视化自由行为动物大脑深处的神经元和亚细胞结构的能力对于我们理解神经活动和高级认知功能之间的关系至关重要。然而，快速高分辨率成像仅限于地下大脑区域，并且通常需要将动物的头部固定在显微镜下。开发新方法来应对这些挑战至关重要。过去几十年来，基于裸光纤的微创内窥镜技术取得了快速进展。单根多模光纤可用于深入大脑，而不会对覆盖的结构造成重大损害，并提供高分辨率成像。在这里，我们讨论如何通过结合光纤、光整形和先进计算算法的整体方法来实现高速超分辨率光纤内窥镜的全部潜力。最近的进展为自由行为小鼠的微创深部大脑研究开辟了新途径。