Science Cover June 2024

Description: The single-cell protist Lacrymaria olor uses rapid, reversible extensions of the cell’s neck-like protrusion to hunt that are enabled by a curved crease origami structure. Through high-resolution imaging and scaled-up origami experiments, researchers show how topological singularities in helical pleats control deployment. This discovery offers a glimpse into geometrical control of behavior in single cells, with potential applications in space architecture and microrobotics.

Illustration: Rebecca Konte/Prakash Lab

Link: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn9351