Gene expression can be monitored in living organisms with ultra sensitive imaging systems.
Berthold Technologies contributed a major breakthrough of this technology with its Luminograph LB 980 introduced in 1989.
Today, the third generation of low-light imagers is available, the NightOWL II LB 983. The researcher can choose the camera according to his individual application.

Based on the experiences with the NightOWL in vivo imager Berthold Technologies has developed the new NightSHADE imaging system with plant research in mind.

Some techniques for generating and/or detecting light in biological subjects are patented and may require licences from third parties. Users are advised to independently determine for themselves wheter their activities infringe any valid patent.