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Protein Electrodynamics & Terahertz Medicine
December 10, 2021 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Starting with an overview of the rapidly advancing field of bioelectromagnetics, this seminar shares specific results concerning protein electrodynamics and terahertz medicine. In particular, it is well known that proteins exhibit dynamic behavior with their normal modes specifically vibrating at terahertz frequencies. These motions are essential to protein function and because these macromolecules are charged the existence of such vibrations suggests the possibility of specific interaction with electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz band. Experiments identifying specific absorption of terahertz radiation by myoglobin and hemoglobin suggest that these protein spectroscopic signatures can serve as the basis of a novel form of molecular medical imaging; likewise, electromagnetic modulation of such motions may underlie emerging forms of therapy. Collaborative studies now underway, including THz imaging of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease tissues will also be highlighted as well as surface-plasmon enhanced detection of protein THz spectroscopic signatures. Applications to novel approaches to diagnosing, preventing and treating viral infections, including that of Covid-19, along with implications for electronics-based (CMOS) THz sources will also be addressed. Co-sponsored by: STARaCom, IEEE section Montréal Speaker(s): Ogan Gurel, MD, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/291609