Devoted to theoretical and experimental research of clinically relevant problems by including methods of physics.
Contribute to socratic lecturesThe prime subject of work of the Laboratory of Clinical Biophysics is theoretical and experimental research of clinically important problems by using physical methods. We are committed to life-friendly methods and encourage cooperation between different areas of knowledge.
Recently, we have focused on the study of nanostructures that are shed from the cell membrane and become free-moving extracellular particles (EPs). EPs are cellular fragments that travel to other cells in the same organism or in other organisms and interact with them. Thus, they mediate in the communication between microorganisms, plants, animals and humans. They represent the boundary between the living and the non-living. We study the mechanisms of EP formation and the natural laws to which they are subject. The systems we are most interested in at the moment are blood and microalgae cultures.
We are developing mathematical models to describe the biomechanics of the locomotor system. The HIPSTRESS method is used to determine the contact pressure in the hip and in the hip prosthesis. We also study the biomechanics of sagittal balance and the corresponding shape of the spine. Mathematical models are used to decribe various pathologies.
In other theoretical work we discuss electric double layer, elastomechanics of the membrane, self-assembly of molecules, stability of thin anisotropic structures (organic in inorganic nanotubes, strips in non-lamellar stacks). In experimental work, we consider giant phospholipid vesicles and nanostructures in blood and in microalgae cultures, especially nanotubes and pores. Recenly we have included in our interests also problems regarding space. The meeting point of our theoretical work from different fields is curvature.
Transmission of knowledge to young colleagues is highly warranted. We are continually developing new methods and approaches to encourage students to study and apply physics in their professional and scientific pursuits. Here arts play an important role. We are integrating our work into the Z-STEAM approach (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) within our teaching activities and organization of symposia Socratic Lectures. Anyone sharing universal life-friendly views is welcome.
Our experimental equipment is the Laboratory of Physics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, http://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/.