A new type of endoscope for better imaging inside the body
Official title: Metasurface based chromatic confocal endoscope
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11012839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of tiny camera that can help doctors see hard-to-reach areas inside the body better and faster, which could lead to earlier and more accurate cancer detection for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,819 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035389-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing endoscopic procedures for cancer screening or diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require endoscopic procedures or those with conditions that do not involve imaging of hard-to-reach areas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a metasurface-based chromatic confocal endoscope that aims to improve the imaging of hard-to-reach areas within the body. By utilizing an innovative design that integrates multiple optical functionalities into a compact device, the endoscope seeks to enhance cellular imaging resolution and speed while reducing costs. The approach involves using advanced nanostructures to achieve high-quality imaging without the bulkiness of traditional endoscopes, making it more practical for clinical use. Patients may benefit from earlier and more accurate cancer detection through improved imaging techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective early cancer detection and diagnosis through enhanced imaging capabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging technologies for cancer detection, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhiwen — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhiwen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.