Applied Mathematics Seminar

The calcium ion, Ca++, is one of the most versatile and universal signalling agents in the human body. It controls almost everything we do - how our hearts beat, how we move, how our brains process information and store memories. It triggers life at fertilisation, controls the development and differentiation of cells and finally is involved in their death. This talk will focus on the role that Ca++ plays in the electro-chemical communication between neurons. I will describe recent work involving Monte Carlo simulations of the diffusion and binding of Ca++ in synaptic terminals. Mention will also be made of other calcium projects being undertaken in collaboration with the Neurobiology Laboratory at Sydney University.