Biotech

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Weihong Tan, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Florida, has developed and tested a microscopic probe that can be inserted into a single cell to indicate various biological chemicals. As depicted in this illustration, the probe has a florescent tip that lights up in the presence of a target substance. The probe measures just 30 nanometers (1 nanometer equals one-billionth of a meter) and does not damage living cells. Such probes and other so-called “biosensors” could one day be used to detect disease or stroke earlier than currently possible.

(UF photo courtesy of Weihong Tan)
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