But that was before ! Researchers have just published, in Science Advances, a new method for cleaning tissues while removing various pigments. Enough to be able to study organs and the nervous system in depth. Molluscs, fish, amphibians … “We believe that the method is applicable to several organisms” explains Hans Ulrich Dodt, co-author of the study, adding that it has not yet been tested for this purpose. This technique, called Deep-Clear (DEpigmEntation-Plus-Clearing), brings together different chemical treatments with a synergistic effect. The depigmentation is then faster, which “preserves the integrity of tissues and organisms, so that the molecules and internal structures of interest are more likely to be preserved” explains Marko Pende, one of the co-authors. Their discovery could, for example, facilitate understanding of the molecular capacities of salamanders. Which can regenerate parts of their nervous system.
