The Millennium Cafe

September 18, 2018 @ 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Madhu Singh and Jim Marden/Scott Medina, Penn State

3rd Floor Commons at The Millennium Science Complex
University Park

“What’s in the Air that we Breathe?  Visualizing Particulate Matter“
Madhu Singh | Vander Wal Group

Particulate matter adversely affects millions of people across the globe and is becoming an increasing global health and environmental concern.  This talk will highlight our work to analyze what it is that we breathe and its impact, using microscopy for visualization.  Characterization of such aerosolized carbon forms lies at the intersection of multiple analytical techniques which come together to tell the story of this unwanted yet impactful material. 

“Killing Tumor Cells with Novel Engineered Protein”
Jim Marden / Scott Medina | Biology / Biomedical Engineering

In collaboration with the Medina Group are examining fundamental roles of glycoproteins in cancer cell biology facilitated by a newly discovered glycan-binding protein (Lectin-1) that kills epithelial cancer cells with unprecedented potency (picomolar concentration). Utilizing chemical biology, evolution, genomics and cancer biology, we are studying the affinity and specificity of this new anti-tumor lectin, as well as selected candidates from a library of novel lectins, toward cancer-associated glycans and characterizing mechanisms of their cytotoxic action.

The Millennium Café is held every Tuesday @ 10:00 in the 3rd floor Café Commons of the Millennium Science Complex.  Stop by for freshly brewed science & coffee.