A number of faculty associated with the physics department are doing biophysics research. Explore the physics department, Dalhousie, and Halifax with the links above. But first, explore the following research opportunities in biophysics here at Dal physics for senior thesis work, summer NSERC research, and MSc, PhD, and postdoc positions.

Raman Spectroscopy of Hemoglobin Disorders

kevin.hewitt@dal.ca
(902) 494-2315

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of genetic hemoglobin disorders is of great importance to human health. In order to detect changes of one amino acid in the over 600 that make up the hemoglobin protein, one must have a technique that is highly sensitive and specific. Recent advances in the inelastic light scattering technique Raman spectroscopy present an opportunity in this regard. Our research seeks to develop Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool in the identification of hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell anemia.

Scanning Probe Microscopy

manfred.jericho@dal.ca
(902) 494-2316

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy are used to image live bacteria and for fundamental studies of long-range interactions between proteins and the elastic properties of cell components.

Nanomechanics of Protein Filaments

kreplak@dal.ca
(902) 494-8435

We study the link between structure and mechanical properties in biological systems. We are particularly interested in self-assembled protein filaments like collagen fibrils, intermediate filaments and myosin thick filaments. In vitro, these filaments show a unique combination of strength, extensibility, flexibility and toughness that could be used to design novel bio-inspired materials from the bottom-up. In vivo, we aim at understanding mechanotransduction mechanisms at the molecular scale. The techniques we use include atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, X-ray scattering and raman spectroscopy.

Holography and Polymer Science

h.j.kreuzer@dal.ca
(902) 494-6594

My biophysics research deals with the theory of holography and object reconstruction, macromolecules, stretching DNA and the resistance of surfaces to protein contamination.

Cellular Micromechanics / Mechanotransduction

gmaksym@dal.ca
(902) 494-2624

The focus of my lab is to study the mechanical response of cells to external deformations, for the purposes of understanding cytoskeletal mechanics, smooth muscle cell contractility, and plasticity of the smooth muscle cell in asthma. We use a method that attaches antibody or ligand coated ferrimagnetic beads via transmembrane cell receptors attached to the cytoskeleton of adherent cells. By using magnetic fields, causing the beads to rotate, we determine the cellular resistance to deformation to 5 nm resolution. This technique also enables the understanding of how mechanical force alter cytoskeletal organization and contractile function, important for the understanding of airway narrowing in asthma.

Biological Physics of Bacteria

andrew.rutenberg@dal.ca
(902) 494-2952

Bacteria are self-organized reproducing micromachines. Understanding how geometry, diffusion, noise, force, elasticity, and the strong non-linearities inherent inside bacteria combine lead to regular behavior -- and to understand that behavior in quantitative detail -- is our goal. To modernize Rutherford: a simple but quantitative description of the world is the goal of physics, and this is also our goal with respect to the bacterial cell. Our group models the bacterial cytoskeleton, subcellular pattern formation, morphogenesis, periplasmic structure, and lysis timing.

Mechanical Properties of Biopolymers

Sarah.Wells@dal.ca
(902) 494-2320

Structural-mechanical relations in biopolymers such as elastin and collagen are examined in order to determine the underlying mechanism(s) of elasticity of these materials-and thereby to understand the functioning of the arteries, ligaments, skin etc. which they make up. As well, research examines the structural remodeling of these structures during development and maturation: from fetal to adult life.