Nature’s smallest energy powerhouse is the topic of the next Frontiers of Science Lecture at Syracuse UniversityNovember 04, 2002Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu
Samuel Chan, professor of biology at Syracuse University, will present “Nature’s Smallest Rotary Engine: Energy Harvesting by Animals and Plants” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the College of Law’s Grant Auditorium. The lecture, presented by the Frontiers of Science Lecture Series, is free and open to the public.
Middle-school students learn early on about plant and animal cells and the life processes that happen millions of times daily in all living organisms. One of the essential life processes is the ability of organisms to synthesize energy-adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-in the mitochondria of animal and plant cells, in the chloroplasts of plant cells and in bacteria. These tiny cell organelles are the world’s smallest rotary motors. Average human beings, for example, synthesize their own body weight of ATP every day. The efficiency of these machines (or lack of efficiency) has a significant impact on healthy body functions and on obesity, heart disease and cancers.
Chan will discuss the biochemical mechanisms that drive these tiny rotary motors that are an essential part of the life process.
The Frontiers of Science Lecture Series is sponsored by SU’s departments of Science Teaching, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics in The College of Arts and Sciences; the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science; the School of Education; the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry; and several community organizations. The series is designed to increase public awareness of advances in science and to stimulate thought and discussion about the moral, ethical and societal implications of the advances.
Research led by Bryce Hruska, assistant professor in Falk College, was covered in the EMS World article “Job Stress and What to Do About It.” Hruska discusses how it can be difficult for EMS workers dealing with traumatic disorders to deal…
Cliff Davidson, Thomas and Colleen Wilmot Professor of Engineering and Environmental Engineering Program Director, was interviewed for the WESA-FM (Pittsburgh) story “Why Are The Globes On The Sixteenth Street Bridge Different Colors?” Davidson, who spent over 30 years studying air…
Afton Kapuscinski, assistant teaching professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the Psychological Services Center, was interviewed for the Good Housekeeping article “How to Stop Being Angry – Expert Tips for Controlling Anger.” Kapuscinski talks about…
Grant Reeher, professor of political science and director of the Campbell Public Affairs Institute in the Maxwell School, was quoted in The Hill article, “The Memo: Biden says democracies work; the US is not helping his case.” Reeher warns against…
Kendall Phillips, professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was interviewed by The Observer for the story “Predicting the Future of Superhero Movies Is Harder Than You Think.” Phillips comments on whether or…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
