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Ellie Murphy

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Micro images

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All the light we cannot see

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Visualising diatoms in a way never seen before. This is the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, which is found in coastal waters worldwide. The ability to genetically modify P. tricornutum has allowed us visualise diatom calcium signalling in amazing detail. Thanks to these tiny cells, which contain calcium-binding fluorescent proteins, we have been able to discover many novel ways that diatoms respond to their environment. Their signalling and communication systems are much more complicated than previously thought! Genetic transformation carried out by Dr Trupti Gaikwad (MBA, UK). Image taken on Leica SP8 confocal microscope with a 63x oil objective.