Tarantula venom illuminates electrical activity in live cells
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 - 17:00
in Biology & Nature
Researchers have created a cellular probe that combines a tarantula toxin with a fluorescent compound to help scientists observe electrical activity in neurons and other cells. The probe binds to a voltage-activated potassium ion channel subtype, lighting up when the channel is turned off and dimming when it is activated.