Synchrotron Radiation Techniques and Nanotechnology: a Synergic Approach to Life Sciences and Medicine

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP, Trieste, Italy), in cooperation with iThemba Labs - National Research Foundation (SA) Cape Town Campus, Stellenbosch, South Africa is organizing an Advanced School on Synchrotron Radiation Techniques and Nanotechnology: A Synergic Approach to Life Sciences and Medicine to be held in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, South Africa.Â

In the post-genomic era the emphasis has shifted from genes to proteins and to the understanding of their structure and biological function. The rapid development of nano-sciences has made available a new range of tools and approaches that have revolutionized biological and medical research, by allowing scientist to manipulate nano-particles and macromolecular objects and to monitor the behaviour of single molecules. Not only is this having a great impact on basic biological research, but its applications have become a driving and innovative force in the modern economic and industrial framework, particularly for health and biotechnology.

Topics will include:

• Macromolecular crystallography,
• Single particle electron microscopy,
• Small angle X-ray scattering,
• Computational biology,
• Nano-biophysics,
• High resolution atomic force microscopy,
• Nano-mechanics and tissue engineering.Â

The aim of the school is to introduce young researchers to the latest developments in the field of structural biology, nano-biophysics and nano-medicine and to their revolutionary impact on biotechnology, pharmacology and early diagnostics of widespread diseases. Potential applications range from low-cost diagnostic tools and therapeutics for neglected diseases (such as malaria, Dengue, AIDS) to the development of local biotechnology industry. A few practical sessions will provide the students with some hands-on experience in some of the subjects covered by the lectures.Â