Physics Colloquium, April 17, 2012
Microfluidics, X-rays and RNA folding: new tools, new insights Lois Pollack

Cornell University

RNA's biological roles extend far beyond those of a messenger; they range from controlling gene expression to providing novel opportunities for therapeutics. My group is interested in the interactions that lead RNA to fold and function. We measure the changing structures of RNA during folding by applying new tools such as microfluidic mixers that access sub-millisecond reaction times. Additionally, we have applied x-ray scattering techniques to measure the number and spatial distribution of positively charged ions in the counterion cloud that surrounds (negatively charged) RNA. Interesting differences between (like charged) RNA and DNA are revealed by these measurements, and hold clues about the physics of biological interactions.

Dr. Pollack's Website

4:00 p.m., Physics Research Building (PRB), Room 1080

Reception at 3:45 p.m., Atrium, PRB