Events

Novel Imaging Techniques for Studying Interactions of Membrane Receptors Among Themselves and with Downstream Signaling Partners
Thomas D. Killeen, PhD Candidate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Physics & Astronomy

Cells rely on complex signaling networks to sense and respond to environmental stimuli, but the bigger picture of how molecular assembly leads to robust cellular signaling is only beginning to emerge. A major challenge in characterizing cellular signaling is the ability to directly observe the dynamic interactions between membrane receptors and intracellular signaling partners in living cells. To address this challenge, this work presents the development of advanced fluorescence imaging and computational analysis tools designed to improve the precision and quantitative power of live-cell micro-spectroscopy for studying protein dynamics in real time.

This week's Physics Colloquium has been cancelled.

Superconductors Investigated by High-Energy Particle Irradiation
Dr. Kyuil Cho, Assistant Professor
Department of Physics, Hope College

Superconductor is a material that shows zero resistivity and Meissner effect below its critical temperature. This material has been used for various applications such as superconducting wires, medical device MRI, superconducting magnets for particle accelerators, quantum computing circuits, and many more. The superconductivity research group at Hope College conducts unique research on novel superconductors by using high energy particles. High energy particle irradiation is a useful method to generate homogeneous artificial defects on superconductors. By investigating how the defects affect the properties of superconductors, one can uncover the fundamental mechanism of superconductivity.

Titin-based Molecular Underpinnings of Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Function
Jorge Alegre-Cebollada, PhD
Associate Professor & Group Leader, CNIC (Spanish National Center for Cardiovascular Research)

Titin is the largest protein in the human body. The function of the protein is not any smaller: it is critical for the contractile activity of muscles in the skeletal system and in the heart. In my presentation, I will introduce fundamental concepts that link titin nanomechanics with the macroscopic mechanical function of muscle. I will focus on our recent data demonstrating dysregulation of titin nanomechanics that can contribute to increased risk of heart failure in diabetic patients.