Laser light pushes around cells
29 June 2004
by Richard
Conan-Davies
|
Biophysicists from Clemson University have developed a laser beam that can push individual cells around and line them up. Dr Bruce Gao, who headed the research explained that "We use the laser beam to create a pattern of multiple cell types, simulating the tissue environment on a small scale so we can isolate cell communication," The laser light actually causes a tiny force on the cells. Part of the idea with this research is to be able to use a laser beam to detect different types of cells depending on their size and shape. This kind of technology may be able quickly help identify cancer cells just by the way the laser reacts. |
 Artist impression of two laser beams on a single cell |
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