Aaron Lifland - Advisor, Philip Santangelo, PhD
"Imaging RNA Dynamics in Living Cells" 
Transport of mRNAs in the cytoplasm is essential for localization to translation sites and for post-transcriptional regulation. We developed single molecule-sensitive fluorescent RNA imaging probes that, when delivered into live cells, allowed for the imaging of native mRNAs and viral RNA. Utilizing these probes and real-time fluorescence microscopy, we quantified the dynamics of β-actin mRNAs in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and fibroblasts. 

Natalia Toporikova - Advisor, Rob Butera, PhD
"Why You Cannot Stop Breathing: Computational Modeling of Respiratory Neuron"
Breathing is normally controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The respiratory neural network generates a regular bursting rhythm which activates inspiratory muscles in the diaphragm. We have used computational approach to investigate the origin or respiratory   rhythm and its modulation by various neurotransmitters. 

The Graduate and Post-Doc (GaP) Seminar Series is a weekly event of research presentations by two graduate students or post-docs conducting bio-related research.  The series is organized and sponsored by the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience (IBB) with additional support from the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering. It is held every Wednesday at 12:00pm in IBB 1128 and refreshments are provided. If your research group or department would like to present at future seminars, please contact Manu Platt, PhD at manu.platt@bme.gatech.edu.