Research interests
Dr. Nicholas Roberts
1. Polarized light vision
We have carried out the first studies of how photoreceptor cells absorb light as they would do in the retina. by using laser tweezers to control the orientation of individual cells in 3-dimensions. Most recently we have discovered a new mechanism of polarized light vision.
2. The optics of vertebrate photoreceptors
Our work focuses on understanding how the optical structure of photoreceptor cells defines how light is absorbed, linking the cells physical properties to the visual pigment template.
3. Micro-beam X-ray experiments from single biological cells
We are examining the use of highly focused X-ray beams to probe differences in the how membrane composition affects the structure and function of different cell types.