Upcoming Events
Thiel Group: Michael Manley's student seminar.
Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin
(VanVeller)
Abstract: Lipid bilayer membranes are complex, dynamic, and functional structures composed of a wide diversity of lipids, proteins, small molecules, and water organized in heterogeneous domains through noncovalent interactions. The structure and motion of these molecules generate large electric fields within the interior of the membrane that are critical to membrane structure and function. Here, we describe how vibrational spectroscopy of unnatural nitrile chromophores places throughout the membrane structure is used to measure electrostatic fields in peptides intercalated in free-standing lipid bilayer membranes of increasing chemical complexity. In combination with electrodynamics simulations, these experiments highlight how common small molecules such as cholesterol dramatically affect membrane structure and dynamics through large changes to membrane electric fields.
As you are aware, mental health is very important to have a safe and productive study and work environment. Unfortunately, self-care and mental health are often neglected. To stress the importance of mental health, we will have a presentation from the Director of Student Counseling Services at Iowa State, Chris Hanes, on the following topic:
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, North Carolina State University
(Potoyan)
