ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Diffuse optical imaging

Diffuse optical imaging is like a super cool camera that can see through things without hurting us! This camera is different from normal cameras because it can take pictures using light.

The camera works by shining light on something, like your hand. When the light hits your hand, some of it goes through and some of it bounces back. The camera can detect the light that bounces back and use it to create an image of what's inside your hand.

Doctors use this special camera to see inside people's bodies to find out if there's anything wrong. They put special stickers on a person's head, which have little lights on them that shine into their brain. The lights then bounce back and the camera can see how your brain is working!

This camera is super helpful because it doesn't hurt and it's non-invasive, which means it doesn't require any surgery or needles. It helps doctors learn more about what's happening inside our bodies to better treat us and keep us healthy!