21 March 2017, 8PM
SCIENCE CAFÉ: Solid or liquid? - Phase Transition
GrooveStation (Katharinenstr. 11-13)
Not all organelles in cells are bound by membranes: They are thought to form by liquid-liquid demixing – like oil in vinegar. However, sometimes liquid compartments can, when aged, convert to a solid state and form aggregates. This aberrant phase transition seems to lie at the heart of ALS and also might be a general mechanism for all neurodegenerative diseases.
On the other hand, latest research has also shown that the cytoplasm of cells changes its consistency from liquid to solid in scarce situations, thereby protecting the sensitive structures in the cellular interior.
How do cells switch from a liquid to a solid state and vice versa?
Experts:
Dr. Titus Franzmann, MPI-CBG
Dr. Carsten Hoege, MPI-CBG
Dr. Christoph A. Weber, Harvard University
The Science Café Dresden offers casual discussions with experts over a beer or coffee - you can ask your questions and join the discussion!