Chinese researchers have developed a three-dimensional optical fiber gripper (OFG) that can manipulate opaque particles, irregular micromechanical components and diverse single-cell types. By controlling light input, the OFG can open, close and adjust its gripping force, generating forces more than 100,000 times greater than those of conventional optical tweezers. Published in the journal @Nature, the study could support future applications in life sciences and minimally invasive medicine.

After sketching out how PIEZO channels contribute to touch and proprioception, scientists are now using the channels as a tool to study internal organs, including the heart, bladder, uterus and kidney. By @callimcflurry thetransmitter.org/interocep…