Project Description: Aromatic rings are key in chemistry, found in nature and space. Scientists recently detected them in amino acids and PAHs on asteroid Bennu, shedding light on life's origins. Yet, how life evolved from simple molecules remains unclear. Some research suggests aromatic amino acids aid biological information processing via quantum effects. This project tests whether quantum interactions in microtubules influence cellular function. Using Tetrahymena thermophila, we'll mutate tryptophan in tubulin proteins to study effects on movement and behavior. We will employ molecular biology, microscopy, and computational analysis, plus test microtubule polymerization and collaborate with Philip Kurian's Quantum Biology Lab. If quantum effects shape cellular function, they may have influenced evolution and life's origins. References: Glavin et al. 2025; Babcock et al. 2024; Brette 2021.
NASA Relevance: This research goes beyond microbiology - if quantum processes influence cellular function, they could also play a role in the origins of life and even the search for extraterrestrial life.
Work Description: Interns will explore molecular biology, quantum physics, and cosmic chemistry to investigate whether biological aromatic networks exhibit quantum information processing influencing unicellular behavior. Key tasks include:
- Learning lab techniques: pipetting, solution prep, and protocols.
- Culturing Tetrahymena and maintaining conditions: media prep, sterilization, and growth assessment.
- Observing behavior via microscopy and analyzing data using ImageJ.
- Conducting molecular cloning: bacterial culture, gene synthesis, plasmid cloning, and transformation.
- Assessing microtubule dynamics via protein isolation and polymerization assays.
- Contributing to scientific writing: reports and publications.
- Collaborating with researchers in biology, physics, and chemistry.
- Assisting in theoretical modeling with external collaborators.
This role provides hands-on lab experience and exposure to innovative, interdisciplinary research.
Open or Reserved Project: 1 position reserved, 1 position open