Scientiests have genetically encoded mouse cells to respond to light, creating cells that can be trained to follow a light beam or stop on command like microscopic robots.
We can generlly see this action in plant cells, how the plant cells will response to the sunlight to preform general metabolism. Now! Animal cells can do it as well.
This is the first time researchers have been able to import a light controlled "on-off switch" from plants into a mammalian cell to instantly control a variety of cell functions
This research is led by Klaus Hahn, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In Sep. 13 advanced publicant presented this research.
The findings could have various therapeutic applications down the road, such as the ability to guide nerve cells to reconnect across a broken spinal pathway in a spinal cord injury. it offers both a powerful new tool in cancer and cardiovascular research, as well as the potential to ultimately control complex processes such as nerve growth.
This new reseach would be a great hope in order to use nutral resource to treat human diseases.
Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914111001.htm
Ran Luo 42005694
