7/09/09

Just two days after learning about the SEM (scanning electron microscope), I actually got to see it in action today. The first object placed under the lense was the hair from one of my group-mates. As I learned from before, the SEM can only produce black and white images, but even so, the details were amazing. I could even see the outlines of the strands of protein that made up the hair.

The next lab I visited was focused on solar power. So far, scientists have discovered a new contraption capable of producing solar power. The only

red tide

problem with this invention is that within a few hours out in the sun, it will melt. Therefore, scientists are now studying the Red Tide to try to understand how red algae is capable of producing blue light on their own. One key component that causes the algae to produce blue light is luciferase, which is activated whenever the tide comes in contact and agitates the algae. If scientists are able to make a breakthrough in research and discover how to incorporate luciferase into our daily use of energy, then just imagine how much energy we can save.

Luciferase isn’t only founded in red algae. This enzyme is also present in fireflies which causes the insects to light up. Also in the science fields, luciferase is noted to be a very handy chemical. Scientists implant luciferase into quantum dots in order to label cell parts or detect different types of cells.