Using that example, the nanovesicles and their cargo are injected into the brain tissue. The researchers describe the approach and results of tests in an animal model in an article published online in the chemistry journal Angewandte Chemie. In tests in animal models, Qin and his colleagues found that the near-infrared light penetrated 4 millimeters in the brain, which was enough to reach most targeted brain regions. The method could help doctors diagnose viruses much faster and reduce health care costs by eliminating the need for expensive lab visits. Other contributors include researchers from the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences: Dr. Jonathan Ploski, associate professor; Dr. Sven Kroener, associate professor; and John Perish, a cognition and neuroscience PhD student.