Open-source light-sheet microscope to image big tissue samples
Official title: The LS2 initiative: an open-source light-sheet microscope for imaging across scales
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11387726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new open-source light-sheet microscope (LS2) aims to image tissue from tiny cells to whole organs at high resolution, helping researchers study brain structure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,232 |
| NIH project number | 5U24NS143920-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for direct patient participation; this is a technology development project.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient involvement or clinical testing is described.
What this research studies
This project introduces a large-scale light-sheet microscope designed to image centimeter-scale tissues without losing detail. It focuses on improving resolution, speed, and ease-of-use to map complex neural circuits from synapses to whole brains. By sharing open-source hardware and protocols, it enables researchers to image intact tissues more efficiently and reproducibly. Patients could benefit indirectly as better imaging tools accelerate discoveries in neuroscience and related fields.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could speed up brain mapping and fundamental biology, potentially informing better treatments in the long term.
How similar studies have gone: Similar large-scale imaging approaches exist, but this project emphasizes an open-source, scalable solution for centimeter-scale imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glaser, Adam K — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Glaser, Adam K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Light Pipe Microscope for ultra-large-scale brain imaging
A new, lighter and cheaper microscope tool could help researchers image brain activity across large areas of the mouse brain in cellular detail.
-
Panoramic, minimally invasive deep-brain imaging interface for broad neural access
A new imaging tool in deep brain areas aims to let scientists see large brain regions at cellular detail with a tiny, minimally invasive probe.
-
SPOCTT 2.0: Understanding Brain Cell Types with AI and Maps
A national brain-research program is creating user-friendly tools and references to map brain cell types, making it easier for scientists and students to explore brain cells in humans and animals.
-
Large brain circuit models run on supercomputers
Aims to create and share powerful computer models of huge brain circuits to understand how thinking and behavior emerge in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
-
Spatial map of Alzheimer's cell types and disease patterns
Researchers are using advanced spatial genomics to map where different brain cells and disease markers sit in Alzheimer's and related dementias, with the goal of understanding what goes wrong in the brain.
-
Single-cell brain study of Alzheimer's disease across regions
A large NIH project will map the cellular and molecular changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease using cutting-edge single-cell genomics.
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.