University Calendar

Physics Colloquium – The Sweet Life: Survival, Adaptation, and Sugar - Christina Othon

Speaker:
Christina Othon
Biophysicist at Ripon

Title:
The Sweet Life: Survival, Adaptation, and Sugar

Abstract:
Our research is focused on unravelling one of the methods plants and small animals use to combat environmental stress. Changes in temperature, water availability, salt content or acidity can present immense challenges to the survival of organisms unable to seek shelter. Nature has developed the ability to adapt to these changes by altering the composition of their cells using small molecules. The idea we are testing is that these small molecules enhance protein and cellular stability by altering the way water behaves at the molecular level. We use ultrafast laser spectroscopy to measure water dynamics in the presence of these small molecules and directly tie that to their ability to combat increased temperatures. The research has applications to biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, the food industry, and adaptation to climate change.

Location:	Youngchild 115
Sponsor:	Physics
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