September 10, 2014

Researchers watch lipid molecules in motion




X-ray stroboscope offers new insights into biomolecular dynamics

Researchers from Göttingen in collaboration with colleagues from Augsburg  have 'filmed' the movement of lipid molecules using an X-ray stroboscope at DESY. In the scientific journal Physical Review Letters, researchers lead by Professor Tim Salditt of the University of Göttingen report that their study offers new insights into the dynamics of biomolecules, which compose materials such as cell membranes. The cell membranes consist of a double layer of lipid molecules; the properties of the membranes are of great interest because they control which substances enter and exit a biological cell and also determine which materials are exchanged between different cell regions.