Several advanced techniques are employed in functional imaging, including:
- Fluorescence Microscopy: This technique uses fluorophores to visualize specific molecules or ions within cells. Variants such as confocal microscopy and two-photon microscopy offer high-resolution images and deep tissue penetration.
- Multiphoton Microscopy: Allows for imaging living tissues up to a millimeter deep, making it ideal for in vivo studies.
- Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET): Measures the distance between two fluorophores, providing insights into molecular interactions and conformational changes.
- Bioluminescence Imaging: Uses bioluminescent proteins to study cellular processes in real-time, often in live animals.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Though traditionally used for whole-body imaging, specialized MRI techniques can be adapted for histological applications to study tissue microstructure and function.
