April 14: UAA STEM Talk: Neuroscience research featuring Rachael Hannah and Jonathan Stecyk

UAA STEM Talk: Neuroscience
Wednesday, April 14, 6-7 p.m.
Join on Zoom or Facebook Live

Red-eared slider turtle; champion of survival in low oxygen environments
Presented by Dr. Rachael Hannah

The red-eared slider freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta) remarkably recovers repeatedly from anoxia; with intact and surviving neurons. The goal of this research is to advance our understanding of cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation in vertebrates under conditions of low temperature and oxygen availability. Understanding how the turtle survives a reduction of blood flow to the entire brain, may give us clues to help brain cells survive after a global ischemic event that is a consequence of cardiac arrest.

Hearts that Beat Without Oxygen: Tips and Tricks of the Vertebrate Champions of Anoxia Survival
Presented by Dr. Jonathan Stecyk

Most vertebrates die within minutes of oxygen deprivation (termed anoxia) because the heart and brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen. For example, heart attacks and strokes are one of the most common causes of death in the Western world. However, some fish and turtle species can survive and recover successfully from weeks to months without oxygen. My presentation will highlight our current understanding of how the heart of these species can continue to beat in the absence of oxygen.

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STEM Talks will continue every other Wednesday through spring 2021. View the upcoming UAA STEM Talks schedule.

April Archive