Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for imaging or determining nucleic acids or other desired targets, for instance, within cells or tissues. In one aspect, a sample is exposed to a plurality of nucleic acid probes that are determined within the sample. In some cases, however, background fluorescence or off-target binding may make it more difficult to determine properly bound nucleic acid probes. Accordingly, other components of the samples that may be contributing to the background, such as proteins, lipids, and/or other non-targets, may be “cleared” from the sample to improve determination. However, in certain embodiments, nucleic acids or other desired targets may be prevented from also being cleared, e.g., using polymers or gels within the sample. Other aspects are generally directed to compositions or kits involving such systems, methods of using such systems, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for imaging or determining nucleic acids or other desired targets, for instance, within cells or tissues. In one aspect, a sample is exposed to a plurality of nucleic acid probes that are determined within the sample. In some cases, however, background fluorescence or off-target binding may make it more difficult to determine properly bound nucleic acid probes. Accordingly, other components of the samples that may be contributing to the background, such as proteins, lipids, and/or other non-targets, may be “cleared” from the sample to improve determination. However, in certain embodiments, nucleic acids or other desired targets may be prevented from also being cleared, e.g., using polymers or gels within the sample. Other aspects are generally directed to compositions or kits involving such systems, methods of using such systems, or the like.