Fast, noninvasive technique for probing cells may reveal disease
Thursday, August 3, 2017 - 12:32
in Physics & Chemistry
Engineers have devised a way to assess a cell's mechanical properties simply by observation. The researchers use standard confocal microscopy to zero in on the constant, jiggling motions of a cell's particles -- telltale movements that can be used to decipher a cell's stiffness. Unlike optical tweezers, the team's technique is noninvasive, running little risk of altering or damaging a cell while probing its contents.