Stanford Scientists Unveil First Example of Cellular Origami in Protist

Lacrymaria olor's unique folding mechanism enables extraordinary neck extension for predation and potential medical applications.

Researchers discovered Lacrymaria olor can extend its neck up to 30 times its body length using origami-like folds.
The cell's cytoskeleton is composed of helical microtubules that facilitate this rapid extension and retraction.
This geometric mechanism, termed 'curved-crease origami,' is a novel finding in biological structures.
The study opens possibilities for innovations in robotics, particularly in microsurgery and space technology.
The research was driven by curiosity and conducted over seven years at Stanford's Prakash Lab.