About this Research Topic
The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase the latest innovations in optical methods for functional biomedical imaging, their applications in various research fields, and the challenges faced in their implementation. The Research Topic aims to integrate recent breakthroughs, innovative approaches, and current trends, while shedding light on the role of advanced optical methods in enabling a more comprehensive understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of complex biological processes and diseases. We are particularly interested in novel techniques and methodologies that address current limitations and offer improved diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Moreover, we encourage submissions that emphasize multimodal imaging approaches and integrate optical imaging with complementary techniques—for instance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound imaging. In doing so, we hope to stimulate the development and translation of these sophisticated imaging strategies into the clinic, ultimately facilitating smarter, safer, and more personalized therapeutic interventions.
This Research Topic invites contributions from researchers and clinicians working on advanced optical imaging methods and their applications in functional biomedical imaging. Potential themes covered in this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
· Novel optical imaging techniques and instrumentation (e.g., super-resolution imaging, multiphoton microscopy, fluorescence-based techniques, spectroscopic techniques, optical coherence tomography, holography, etc.)
· Integration of optical methods with other imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, ultrasound, photoacoustic imaging) for multimodal and multiscale imaging.
· Functional extension of the imaging modalities (e.g., OCT-based angiography (OCTA) and elastography (OCE), polarization OCT, etc.)
· Development of adaptive and computational imaging methods for improved image reconstruction, analysis, and quantification.
· Computational techniques for image processing, reconstruction, and analysis, incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence.
· Clinical translation and validation of advanced optical imaging methods for disease diagnostics, therapeutics, monitoring, and prognosis.
Manuscripts can be submitted in various formats, including original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspective articles. We welcome manuscripts that provide significant scientific advancements, in-depth analysis, and insightful discussions on the role of optical imaging methods in the ever-evolving landscape of functional biomedical research.
Keywords: biomedical imaging, optical methods, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, computational imaging methods
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.