Biophysical Society Bulletin | May 2024

Biophysics Week

Biophyzza Connection: Reach Your Full (Action) Potential As part of the broader Biophysical Society of Spain (SBE) initiative, supported by Domino’s Pizza Spain, the events in Tenerife were part of the "Biophyzza Party 2024" series held across the country (https:/sbe.es/biophyzza/). These activ ities, co-sponsored by the Institute of Biomedical Technol ogies (ITB), involved engaging first-year students from the University of La Laguna Medical School enrolled in its Human Physiology I course. There was a pizza gathering in the ITB lobby followed by tours of labs and core facilities for four groups of students. Additionally, two groups delved into the biophysical basis of neuronal excitability, exploring action potential simulations using the simulator “Nerve” developed by Francisco Bezanilla from the University of Chicago (https:/ magisteroceanografia.cl/nerve/nervejs/MAP1.html).

Biophyzza Valencia The event held at the University of Valencia proved to be a resounding success with more than 150 enthusiastic partic ipants in attendance. Following introductions by the orga nizers, Jesus Perez-Gil (BPS Ambassador in Spain) delivered a highly motivating lecture. The conference's motivational im pact was evidenced by the large number of questions posed by students from different academic backgrounds expressing interest in how to navigate their future careers in the field of biophysics. Moreover, the event underscored the importance of delineating educational pathways to facilitate students' initiation into the field of biophysics. Wrapping up with a cele bratory atmosphere, attendees engaged in lively discussions in small groups, savoring refreshments and pizzas.

Biophysics Week Seminar at Augsburg University For Biophysics Week, Augsburg University undergraduates hosted a Zoom seminar by Anna Gaffney , a University of Chicago graduate student, on phase transitions and the mechanical properties of lipid monolayers and model lung surfactants. It was titled “Relaxing under stress: Develop ing a generalized material model for highly compressed lip id monolayers.” Students also learned a little about Anna's path to graduate school and the role of an undergraduate course in sparking an interest in biophysics. A playful twist on a typical research seminar required the students to take notes in cartoon form.

May 2024

11

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY