Blood Cells in Action (IMAGE) Forschungszentrum Juelich Caption In experiments and computer simulations, researchers repeatedly deformed red blood cells, let them "wriggle" and then analyzed their behavior. Three tiny spheres hold the cells in place during the process, while the movements of the cell membrane are measured with the help of a fourth sphere. The "wrapper" of the blood cell consists of a lipid double layer and a cytoskeleton; active forces, produced for example by an ion pump, move the membrane (red arrows) and fluids (green arrows) locally in opposite directions. Credit Source: Forschungszentrum Jülich Usage Restrictions Image may only be used with appropriate credit. 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.