Scientists at the University of Adelaide have used cutting-edge cameras, inspired by quantum technology, to take incredibly detailed images of embryos.
This breakthrough could help researchers better understand early life while using very gentle light, protecting delicate cells from damage.
The research was carried out at the university’s Center of Light for Life, where scientists explored how to use ultrasensitive cameras to study living cells.
These advanced cameras can detect and count tiny packets of light, known as photons, at each pixel. This makes it possible to see biological processes in their most natural state.
Professor Kishan Dholakia, the center’s director, explained why this is important:
“Too much light can harm living cells, but we need light to see them. These new cameras let us capture images using very low levels of light, keeping the cells safe.”
A team of researchers, including Zane Peterkovic, Dr. Avinash Upadhya, Ramses Bautista Gonzalez, Dr. Megan Lim, Dr. Chris Perrella, Admir Bajraktarevic, and Associate Professor Kylie Dunning, tested this technology on embryos in a pre-clinical trial.
Their findings, published in APL Photonics, could improve imaging techniques for IVF (in-vitro fertilization) research and reproductive science.
Lead author and Ph.D. student Zane Peterkovic explained that many natural compounds inside cells give off a weak glow when exposed to light. However, standard cameras often struggle to capture these signals.
“With quantum cameras, we can get much clearer images from our microscopes. A big part of our work was figuring out how to fairly compare image quality between different cameras,” he said.
The project brought together experts in optics, biology, laser physics, and microscopy. Researchers also used AI technology to remove unwanted noise from the images, making the pictures even clearer.
“AI helps clean up the images by filtering out static noise caused when the camera doesn’t capture enough light,” Peterkovic added.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to explore quantum imaging, a technique that could reveal even more details about biological samples using unique properties of light.
This research marks an exciting step forward in medical imaging, showing how quantum-inspired technology can capture life’s earliest moments while keeping delicate embryos safe.
