ד"ר אורי נבו

המחלקה להנדסה ביו-רפואית,

הפקולטה להנדסה, אוניברסיטת תל-אביב

Neuronal Hydrodynamics

Neuronal activity is regarded an electrochemical process. However, biophysical observations suggest that it includes a mechanical dimension.

In this lecture I will review our studies on the displacement of water molecules in neurons. These include theoretical analysis of the hydrodynamics that follow mechanical events in neurons, as well experiments performed using Diffusion Weighted Imaging of live brain tissues, and optical imaging of micro-injected quantum-dots.

Our theoretical analysis suggests that a significant water micro-streaming occurs in neurons. Indeed, experimentally we detect significant changes in water displacement during events of enhanced neuronal function, and upon dis-function of the cells. We further discuss the coherence of this result with other hypotheses in the field and speculate of the biophysical basis of the observed changes in water displacement.

ההרצאה תתקיים ביום ראשון 4.11.2012, בשעה 14:45,

בחדר 315, הבניין הרב תחומי, אוניברסיטת תל אביב