theindependent | Scientists have created see-through mice complete with transparent
organs, in a new technique that could pave the way to a new generation
of therapies for conditions ranging from autism to chronic pain.
Mice are frequently used in biomedical research because much of their
basic biology is similar to humans, meaning they can be altered in ways
that simulate human diseases.
The transparent mice are not alive however, and are currently being used for scientists researching fine details of anatomy.
Vivian
Gradinaru, a senior author of the study at the California Institute of
Technology, said the research could pave the way for a better
understanding of brain-body interactions, more accurate clinical
diagnoses and disease monitoring.
Before being treated with
chemicals, the mice were euthanised and their skin removed. The team
then pumped a series of chemicals through blood vessels, as well as
other passages in the brain and spinal cord.
Some of the chemicals form a mesh to hold tissue in place, while others wash out fats that make tissue block light.
