NJIT Physics Department Seminar

 

April 27th, Monday

 

Ion Channel Engineering: New Molecules use Physics to Keep your Heart Beating

 

Text Box: Prof. Henry Colecraft

Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University

(Biophysics, Host: Thomas)

 

Time: 11:45am-12:45pm with 11:30am tea time

Room: ECE 202

 

Abstract: 

Text Box:           This talk will explain what ion channels are and the physics of how they work at a level for graduate students and faculty in fields like solar and condensed matter physics.   These channels keep us alive and thinking.  Some of the most interesting ion channels open or close in response to electrical voltages and control the Calcium in our heart muscle and nerve cells.  This talk will discuss the difference between these channels in healthy and sick cells.  After a thorough introduction, the talk will turn to exciting new results on engineering new molecules that help operate the channels.

 

Special remark by host, Prof. Gordon Thomas:

“I heard Professor Colecraft speak earlier this year, when he gave a major address to an audience of nearly 1000 at the last Biophysical Society Conference.  He was clear and interesting – one of the best speakers at the conference.”