C. Elegans give off light when they die
This is being observed using a Hamamatsu Orca Flash 4.0 scientific CMOS camera with very high frame rate and light sensitivity. Also, because the camera has less that one electron noise, it is ideal for low light conditions.
One small issue is the necessity to kill the C.Elegans at a precise time point in order image the light that it gives off. Many articles use heat in the form of a specialized pick to time when death occurs.
The light that the nematode gives off is visible under ultraviolet light, and propagates in the form of a wave from the top of the head to the tail.
It is thought that the light comes from a massive calcium ion influx that marks death. "Knocking-Out" specific proteins that transport calcium inter-cellularly stops this death wave.We will be testing this hypothesis in several ways. Construction of a dark room is currently underway.
Check back later for more updates!
-Blake
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