NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving 3D imaging of tissues using advanced light techniques

Official title: Quantitative phase imaging andcomputational specificity (Popescu)

Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-10910243 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on a new imaging system that uses advanced technology to take clear, detailed pictures of living tissues, like skin, without needing any dyes or labels, which could help doctors better understand and diagnose conditions like cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2022
Project endJune 20, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$181,999
NIH project number5P41EB031772-03
Project IDNIH-10910243 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring advanced imaging for conditions affecting deep tissues, such as skin disorders or cancers.

Less likely to help

Patients with superficial conditions that do not require deep tissue imaging may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing quantitative phase imaging (QPI) technology to enable detailed imaging of cells and tissues in living organisms. By utilizing advanced computational methods and deep learning, the project aims to develop a new endoscopic system that can capture high-resolution 3D images of thick tissue structures, such as skin collagen, without the need for labels or dyes. This innovative approach combines various imaging techniques to provide real-time, non-destructive insights into tissue morphology and dynamics, which could significantly improve diagnostic capabilities in areas like cancer prognosis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and earlier diagnoses of diseases, particularly cancer, through improved imaging techniques.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for biomedical applications, indicating a strong potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    Champaign, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bhargava, Rohit — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Study coordinator: Bhargava, Rohit

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.