Figure 1 (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Hunting small molecules: The graphic shows the experimental setup used to detect small molecules, like those used for most pharmaceutical drugs (green) and their binding interactions with membrane protein receptors (yellow). These events can be imaged using conventional or phase contrast microscopy through the process of differential optical detection. Subtle distortions in the cell membrane shape caused by the binding or dissociation of small molecules are translated into observable changes in light intensity. Credit The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.