Using High-precision Laser Tweezers To Juggle Cells

Researchers have developed a new method to study single cells while exposing them to controlled environmental changes. The unique method, where a set of laser tweezers move the cell around in a microscopic channel system, allows the researchers to study how single cells react to stress induced by a constantly changing environment.Studies on how cells react to changes in their environmentsuch as reduced availability of nutrientshave traditionally used cultures consisting of millions of cellsWhile such studies show how cells on average react to a new environmentthey say nothing about individual variationfor example how quickly a single cell responds.

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