Cellular Detection of Infrared Sources
Abstract
During the past grant period we have developed a new assay to study the responses of large populations of cells to pulsating near infrared light signals. We propose to use them to determine the optimal light pulse patterns and to study the photo behavior of different cell types, states of transformation and phases of the cell cycle to artificially generated light signals. In addition we have developed the first infrared fluorescent microscope which we propose to develop further in order to test the hypothesis that the natural infrared light signals are emitted by the mitochondria of the cells. The concept of photo behavior of cells is entirely new and is potentially very important for biology and medicine. As more and more details of this phenomenon emerge we may become able to imitate the signals of specific cell types in order to be able to influence their behavior during development, wound healing, immune response and metastasis. In addition, the dependency of the photo behavior on pulse patterns rather than on total energy points to an elaborate data integration systems in cells that are, so far, unknown to biology and promise to revolutionize our concepts of cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA344432
Entities
People
- Guenter Albrecht-buehler
Organizations
- Northwestern University