Forthcoming CM seminars

[ICTP info point]

INFORMAL SEMINAR on

Disorder and strong electron correlations




Thursday, 9 February    -    11:00 a.m.


Room 239,  Main Bldg.- II floor




V. YUDSON   ( Institute of Spectroscopy, Moscow Region )


"Universalities in electron scattering on mesoscopic obstacles"


Abstract

We study electron propagation through a random array of rare strong 
scatterers (e.g.,  quantum antidots) of geometrical sizes much greater 
than the electron wavelength.  It turns out that for a wide class of 
scatterer's shapes, the ratio of the transport and the total elastic 
scattering rates does not depend on the scatterer's shape and is 
determined entirely by the space dimension.  Possible experimental 
manifestations are discussed.
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JOINT ICTP/SISSA/DEMOCRITOS CONDENSED MATTER SEMINAR
Academic Year 2005/06



SEMINAR ROOM - MAIN BUILDING   (first floor)



Wednesday, 15 February -     4:00 p.m.



B.L. TROUT   (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge )



" Statistical physics applied to the development of biopharmaceuticals "


       Abstract

Biopharmaceuticals are globular protein or antibody drugs.  It is 
desired that they be formulated at high concentrations in aqueous 
solutions.  However, due to hydrophobic interactions and other effects, 
these molecules tend to aggregate in solution.  Aggregation not only 
renders these molecules inactive, but also it can cause these molecules 
to be immunogenic, one of the worst properties that a drug can have.  
Using fundamental techniques from statistical physics, we have 
developed a completely new conceptual approach to tailor design 
additives to prevent aggregation of these complex molecules.   We have 
also performed some initial experimental confirmations of our theories. 
  In addition to the development of biopharmaceutical formulations, our 
research has significance for understanding how living systems prevent 
protein aggregation and for understanding human diseases such as 
Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases.