Developing a new method for fast 3D chemical imaging in living tissues
Official title: Hyperspectral chemical imaging via sum-frequency generation microscopic holography
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11143163 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to take quick and detailed 3D images of tumors and living cells without harming them, which could help us understand diseases better and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,024 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034418-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143163 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers or other conditions that affect the tumor microenvironment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve tumor microenvironments or those who are not undergoing treatment requiring advanced imaging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel holographic platform that allows for high-speed, noninvasive 3D chemical imaging. It aims to improve the analysis of tumor microenvironments and facilitate real-time imaging of live cell cultures, animal models, and engineered tissues. By combining nonlinear optical microscopy with digital holography, the project seeks to enhance imaging speed and obtain detailed spectral information without the need for labels or destructive methods. This innovative approach could lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide advanced imaging techniques that improve the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers and other diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in combining nonlinear optical microscopy with digital holography, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ge, Nien-Hui — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ge, Nien-Hui
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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.