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NJIT Applied Mathematics Colloquium

Friday, March 11 2011, 11:30am
Cullimore Lecture Hall II
New Jersey Institute of Technology

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Swimming Bacteria Meet Applied Math and Physics at Fluid Boundary

Jay Tang

Brown University (Physics/Engineering)


Abstract

Applied Mathematicians and Physicists who marvel at the complexity of life science find their own training useful in explaining many biological phenomena. Examples will be presented based on our ongoing work on bacterial near surface swimming and accumulation. Combining microscopy imaging with theoretical analysis, including computer simulations, we have determined the swimming characteristics of a bacterial species called Caulobacter crescentus, which has a single flagellum but can swim efficiently and is chemotactic. By applying the low Reynolds number fluid physics and taking into account boundary effects, we can explain circular trajectories observed as the bacteria swim near a surface (PNAS, 2008, 105:18355), as well as accumulation of the motile cells at the interface (PRL, 2009, 103:178101). The common theme of these examples is to apply basic principles of physics and applied math in order to understand biological processes. Such an interdisciplinary approach draws meaningful participation of undergraduates in applied math, biology, and physics, providing them with valuable experience of original research.




Last Modified: Feb 2011
Linda Cummings
L i n d a . J . C u m m i n g s @ n j i t . e d u