Turning Gold to Purple (IMAGE) Brigham Young University Caption BYU chemists developed a method of artificial photosynthesis, and proved it by turning gold atoms (left) into purple-colored nanoparticles (right). Credit Mark Philbrick/BYU 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.