Research That Matters
On/Off Paralysis
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SFU chemist Neil Branda made international headlines by reversibly paralyzing the tiny worms called nematodes that are raised in SFU molecular biologist David Baille’s (above) lab. His team designed a molecule that, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, changes its shape. When the worms were fed this molecule and then exposed to UV light, they exhibited paralysis. But when the worms were again exposed to visible light, they regained their ability to move. Photoswitches like these can potentially be used in photodynamic drug delivery systems, which will allow a drug to target very specific sites in the body, such as tumours, without harming others. Branda’s research is significant because it is the first time that researchers have demonstrated a photoswitching effect in a living animal. SFU’s Community Trust Endowment Fund is financing the project.