A research team at the University of California, Davis, has developed the world’s first mini microscope that captures 3D brain imaging in real time. The breakthrough tool, designed for use in freely moving mice, offers new opportunities for studying how brain activity drives behavior.
The device, called DeepInMiniscope, provides high-resolution, noninvasive imaging of neural activity. It enables scientists to observe brain function as it happens, without restraining the animal’s movement. Researchers say this advancement could support the development of new treatments for brain disorders in humans.
Weijian Yang, professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC Davis, said the goal is to create technology that lets scientists track brain activity and behavior at the same time. He emphasized the importance of understanding how the brain processes information in natural environments.
Solving past imaging limitations
DeepInMiniscope builds on Yang’s earlier work involving a lensless camera system. That camera could produce 3D images from a single exposure but had trouble capturing biological details due to light scattering and low signal contrast in living tissues.
To solve those limitations, the new mini microscope uses a redesigned optical mask containing over 100 tiny lenses. A specially developed neural network combines the multiple views into a single 3D image. This approach significantly improves resolution and accuracy across a larger volume of brain tissue.
Feng Tian, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the published study in Science Advances, said the neural network requires minimal training data and can process large datasets quickly and efficiently. He highlighted its precision and scalability as key advantages for neuroscience research.
Compact, scalable, and ready for future use
The device is small enough for a mouse to wear while moving freely. It measures about 3 square centimeters and weighs roughly 10 grams—comparable to the size and weight of a grape. Unlike traditional camera systems, which are often bulky, DeepInMiniscope uses a simple image sensor on a bare circuit board to reduce size and weight.
Yang aims to shrink the device further to 2 square centimeters and eventually make it wireless. He said such improvements could offer even more flexibility for studying real-time brain activity during natural behaviors.
The mini microscope marks a major step toward real-world applications that deepen understanding of the brain and support the future development of therapies for neurological diseases.
