Researchers have made a new molecule called CaBLAM to watch calcium-linked activity in living brain cells. CaBLAM uses bioluminescent light made inside cells, so it does not need bright external illumination.
The tool can capture single-cell and small subcellular activity quickly and it works in mice and zebrafish. Because it makes light inside cells, experiments can run for many hours without the problems that come from external light such as cell damage or loss of signal.
Difficult words
- molecule — very small part of matter or substance
- bioluminescent — light produced by living cells or organisms
- illumination — use of light for seeing or experiments
- subcellular — small parts inside a cell
- activity — what cells do or how they work
- external — outside a thing or outside the cells
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why is it good that CaBLAM does not need bright external light?
- Would you like to learn more about brain cell activity? Why or why not?
- How does making light inside cells help experiments last longer?
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