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Rock Researchers Study Nanotechnology
[September 13, 2014]

Rock Researchers Study Nanotechnology


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa., Sept. 12 -- Slippery Rock University issued the following news release: Timothy Samec, a Slippery Rock University physics major from Drums, can relate to Nobel Prize winning physicist Richard Feynman's famous declaration that "there is plenty of room at the bottom." Samec's research hovers around the bottom, as in small, as in 800 times smaller than the thickness of human hair.



Samec studies the science of small - nanotechnology, which involves the atomic-scale altering of DNA for application in human medicine, technology and energy conservation.

Working with Arlene Ford, SRU assistant professor of physics, the pair's research is entering a biomedical phase this semester. Originally, Samec examined interaction between non-DNA particles and liquid crystals, using SRU's Liquid Crystals Laboratory. The team's work is shifting to use DNA in a design strategy called "DNA origami." "Originally, we had set out to observe interactions between nanoparticles and liquid crystals. We were able to make some samples, but ran out of time due to the semester ending," Samec said. "Once we were able to meet at the beginning of this semester, it was decided that we try to apply my research more toward my future goals. In short, I hope to obtain my master's degree in biomedical engineering. For this year we are trying to find better applications to biology." Nanotechnology involves the study and manufacture of atoms and molecules. Everything on earth is made up of atoms, including bodies, food and rock formations. The study and application of manufactured DNA particles can be used to create many new materials in devices with a range of applications, including medicine, technology, chemistry, engineering and biology.


"DNA is a highly stable and programmable molecule and is an ideal material for creating nanostructures," Ford said. "Using a design strategy called DNA origami, DNA strands can be folded over and secured by shorter strands of DNA, creating two-dimensional scales." To self-assemble DNA nanostructures for electronic devices, DNA must be integrated with materials such as metals and liquid crystals, she said.

The concepts behind nanotechnology started with Feynman's 1959 talk at the America Physical Society's meeting at the California Institute of Technology. Feynman described a process in which scientists could manipulate and control individual molecules and atoms.

Samec said his research goals began to take shape when he met Ford in spring 2013.

"After discussing what the basic idea would be that we were going to cover, I was anxious in that I wasn't exactly sure how things were going to turn out," he said. "However, once I did some of my own independent research on the topic of liquid crystals and DNA interactions, I thought that this would be a great springboard to my pursuit of becoming a biomedical engineer." "Just the thought of utilizing a biological substance within a medium observed through a physicist's world was exactly where I wanted to be," he said. "It is exciting to be able to think that you can get DNA to self-assemble based on the manipulated environment that it is in, and this may one day help us develop better bio-nanomaterial." Samec said his work involves looking at particles under a microscope in the Liquid Crystals Lab. Then he uses a computer program to take photos of the images seen in the microscope to analyze the properties of a sample, Samec said he appreciates the opportunities SRU has provided for his physics education. SRU offers a physics major, a physics major with a concentration on computational biophysics and physics/pre-engineering programs with West Virginia University and Pennsylvania State University. Samec said his adviser, Arthula Heart, and Ford have been especially supportive.

Rizwan Mahmood, SRU professor of physics and pre-engineering, has made a huge contribution to the field of liquid crystals, including the creation of SRU's lab. He has mentored many physics students over the past 28 years, including graduates who progressed to doctorate programs.

Samec is building on his predecessors' achievements and rapport with professors.

"Getting to work with Dr. Ford on this project has been a very good experience," Samec said. "I think the best way to put it is I am not working underneath her as an adviser, but rather alongside her, so that we both will learn from our experiences. Although I have not worked with other professors in research fields, I think that this is something unique about working with Dr. Ford and has given me a very strong, positive attitude toward our department as a whole." "Most other schools with reputable physics department like ours are at very large universities. Those students rarely get the chance to speak with their professors about anything, let alone pursue research opportunities. Choosing Slippery Rock University for my physics degree is one of the best decisions I have made." Aside from his research, Samec is a multi-sport athlete. He was recently selected to Team USA to compete in the 2015 International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championships.

He will race in the Sprint Distance World Championship event, which includes a 750-meter swim, 20 k cycle and 5 k run.

The World Championships will feature the top age group athletes in the world from countries such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Germany and others. Several events will take place during World Championship week including Olympic Distance World Championships, Sprint Distance World Championships and the Grand Finale World Championships.

CC AutoTriage6yd-140913-30VitinMar-4859249 (c) 2014 Targeted News Service

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