Laser Tweezers: Reach Out and Grab Bacteria!
Visit our lab to see how we utilize "optical tweezers" that use lasers to reach out, grab, and manipulate individual swimming cells. It is a very interactive, hands-on activity with video game-like joystick action. We invite the public to use our microscope and try to catch and grab hold of live cells and interact with them. We will learn about cells from the bottom up, and about the latest in technology that allows us to see and interact with individual cells and molecules.
Presented by:
- Matthew Comstock, Associate Professor, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
- Kasun Senanayake, PhD student, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
- Keontre' Hughes, PhD student, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
- Liam Fraser, undergraduate research assistant, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
- Michael Zelenak, undergraduate research assistant, Physics and Astronomy, MSU
Suggested for ages: Kindergarten and Pre-K, Elementary school age, Middle school age, High school age, 18 years and above
Scientific Disciplines:
- Physics, Astronomy, and Chemistry
For more information:
Read more about Laser Tweezers: Reach Out and Grab Bacteria! (external site)
Time and Location
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4/18/2026 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Biomedical and Physical Sciences Room B149