Illuminating the mysteries of protein droplets

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics recognized the invention of optical tweezers — highly focused laser beams that scientists can use to trap and manipulate tiny objects. At UB, Assistant Professor of Physics Priya Banerjee is putting this technology to work in his studies of droplet-forming proteins. This emerging class of biological molecules may play a role in diseases ranging from cancer to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but little is known about how the proteins assemble into liquid-like droplets. Photos: Douglas Levere

Published July 23, 2019