Light energy moves living cells in culture

University of Central Florida scientists say they have used light energy to guide and change the orientation of living cells within lab cultures.

The scientists said their achievement could be a major step toward harnessing the healing power of stem cells and guiding them to areas of the body that need help.

The research was led by optical scientist Aristide Dogariu and stem cell researcher Kiminobu Sugaya. They said long-term implications of their work include stimulating and controlling tissue regeneration for cleaner wound healing and the possibility of altering the shapes of cells and preventing malignant tumors from spreading throughout the body.

The study was presented earlier this year in Baltimore during the Lasers and Electro-Optics/International Quantum Electronics Conference.