Moreover, you can reverse and repeat the process "many" times. If you need a broader view, you don't need to collect a new sample. That makes it considerably easier to trace brain connections, as you aren't locked into viewing one scale the entire time.

MIT is currently focused on speeding up the imaging process, so this technique won't be in use for a while. However, the team's Kwanghun Chung notes that the technique is both "really simple" and uses standard molecular markers -- it'll be easy to adopt when it's ready. Assuming everything goes smoothly, scientists could have a deeper understanding of the brain that might lead to more effective treatments for diseases.