Listening to viruses: Revolutionary method detects pathogens with light
Do viruses make sounds? It turns out they do, and scientists have developed a method to detect the acoustic vibrations of viruses using light. This discovery could significantly impact medicine and the food industry by helping to detect harmful pathogens and even cancer cells.
Scientists at Michigan State University have devised an innovative method to detect the acoustic vibrations of individual virus particles using light. Although we cannot hear these sounds, they can be used in biological research. How can such tiny organisms produce sounds? It's due to physics, not their structure, as every movement of atoms emits sound. Even though viruses cannot be seen with the naked eye, they are complex entities composed of a vast number of atoms.
Do viruses make sounds?
Dr. Elad Harel, the study's lead author, emphasizes that this method allows for studying viruses in their natural environment. This approach makes it possible to quickly and accurately analyze their behavior without the need for complex labeling. It streamlines the research process, reduces costs, and in the future, will also facilitate studying bacteria or detecting cancer cells.
The main method of biological research involves the labeling of tissues and cells, which on a basic level appears quite similar. Labeling is used to differentiate various types of cells within an organ or distinguish healthy tissue from diseased tissue. This is most commonly achieved with proteins that stand out with different colours or other measurable properties. Based on these markers, analysts can form an image of the composition of a given biological sample.
Revolution in treating viral infections
BioSonics, the new research method, enables real-time observation of what a single virus particle does. This can help in understanding how viruses function and how their replication can be disrupted by new antiviral drugs. The technology may also be used to create non-invasive sensors for detecting viruses from a distance, enabling the monitoring of food safety or airport security checks.
Although the research is still in its early stages, its potential is immense. This method may also aid in distinguishing active and inactive virus particles, which is crucial in diagnosing infections.
