Tractor beams and sonic screwdrivers

Many of the greatest advances in our understanding of biology have been made possible with the help of light microscopy. Light is ideally suited to imaging and manipulation at the scale of biological cells, allowing us to image and control anything from individual chromosomes or blood cells to whole chick embryos or plant roots.

In this talk Dr Mike MacDonald will focus on using laser light, and in some cases ultrasound, to manipulate and control objects. From the manipulation of individual cells to the development of the world’s first working sonic screwdriver, Mike will highlight some of the breakthroughs that have allowed greater insight into topics ranging from industrially produced red blood cells to plant diseases.