Microdomains in lipid membranes (Dr Peter G. Petrov and Dr Bob-Dan Lechner, University of Exeter – Physics – Biomedical Physics Group)

“Lipids are molecules which form the building blocks of living cells, and we are interested in their role in the cell membranes. These images show artificial membranes, formed of different types of lipid molecules on a water surface. We have artistically enhanced the images to highlight the microscopic ‘patches’ of lipids, known as microdomains. The images were made using fluorescence microscopy, a modern technique which involves shining light on a substance which fluoresces – which means it re-emits the light. This re-emitted light is then detected, and we can build up a much clearer picture of the material we’re studying than by simply using an optical microscope.”

– such fascinating and beautiful images! And another fantastic example of multidisciplinary STEMM research: applying techniques from physics to study biological / chemical samples (and with applications in medicine).