For the first time, a group of scientists has been able to observe intact interactions between proteins, directly in the brain of a live animal. The new live imaging approach will allow scientists to visualize the interactions of proteins in the brain of an animal, along different points throughout its development, explains the lead author, who likens protein interactions to the way organisms associate with each other. Previous methods required chemical or physical treatments that most likely disturb or even kill the cells. That made it impossible to study the protein interactions in their natural environment.