Accessible, label-free optical imaging to reveal disease signals
Official title: Accessible label-free optical microscopy with quantitative molecular and functional contrast
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11627327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A brain-friendly, patient-centered imaging approach aims to uncover hidden disease signals in cells and tissues without labels or dyes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $462,500 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM147437-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11627327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with diseases where tissue or cell analysis could benefit from label-free, high-contrast imaging may be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
People without diseases or without conditions that require advanced cellular imaging may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project advances new optical imaging methods that could one day help doctors see molecular and functional changes in diseases. It uses noninvasive techniques and advanced data processing to extract meaningful information from biological samples. The work is focused on methods development that could translate into better diagnostics and disease understanding for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these imaging tools could enable earlier and more precise disease detection and monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that label-free optical methods can reveal useful cellular and disease-related information, with ongoing improvements.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robles, Francisco E — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Robles, Francisco E
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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.