Day 2 blog: Microscopes
Today was extremely exciting for me because I finally got to see an 
atomic force microscope (AFM). Ever since my Freshman year in high school, when I first read about this microscope, I had always wanted to see one for myself.
What fascinates me the most about this particular microscope is not necessarily its function but its structure. Usually, when a person brings up the topic of microscopes, the most obvious device that comes to mind is an optical lense. However, in the case of the atomic force microscope, there is no optical lense; in fact, one of the microscope’s most unusual features is its cantilever, a beam with a sharp tip at the end.
With this cantilever, the microscope not only gathers information by scanning the surface of the cell but it also detects cancer cells.
the cantilever in action
Usually normal cells and cancer cells are hard to tell apart because many cancer cells masquerade as normal cells.
Look! They're almost identical
However, one difference between the two cells is their texture. While normal cells may be more solidified, cancer cells are much more malleable and adhesive, making them an easy target for the AFM. When the cantilever scans over the surface, the cancer cells will be immediately detected as their “gooey” surface gives their disguises away.
It continues to amaze me how the AFM, which was originally used to scan the surface of cells, can now be used as a cancer-detecting instrument. Just imagine what other incredible task may be performed through today’s technology.
More info:
www.nanoscience.com/education/AFM.html
www.biologynews.net/archives/2009/01/05/scientists_can_now_differentiate_between_healthy_cells_and_cancer_cells.html
www.chemheritage.org/EducationalServices/pharm/tg/chemo/activity/dtecting.htm
www.bioimaging.dk/index.php?id=77
www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3409800047.html