Physics of Nerve Cells and Excitatory Membranes

Author: Thomas Heimburg

Hardcover

This is the first book explaining the role of physics for the properties of nerve cell membranes and in particular its role in nerve pulse conductance; the author lays out a new concept providing for the first time an plausible explanation for the effect of general anesthetics.

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Summary

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Very well structured, presenting the complex topic on a readily accessible level, this book is the first to explain all the biological properties of nerve cell membranes.Without neglecting the known theories of nerve impulse propagation, the monograph focuses on the less known features of nerve cell membranes, such as their mechanical, caloric and optical properties. Based on these properties, the author then develops an electromechanical theory of pulse propagation, offering the most plausible explanation yet for some unresolved questions regarding the effects observed during general anesthesia.Of prime interest to the biophysical audience working on biomembranes as well for neurobiologists and everyone involved in anesthesia research. Additional features, such as summaries, textboxes and supplementary web material, also make this an excellent companion for teaching.

About the Author

Thomas Heimburg has been an Associate Professor for Biophysics at the Niels Bohr Institute of the University of Copenhagen since 2003, where he is the head of the Membrane Biophysics Group. He studied Physics in Stuttgart and Gottingen, Germany. He obtained his PhD in 1989 at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen. After being a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia from 1989-1990 he received his Habilitation degree in the field of Biophysics at the University of Gottingen in 1995. From 1997-2003 he was leader of an independent research group at the MPI for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen. Thomas Heimburg has authored around 80 original articles and book chapters, and is the single author of a textbook called "Thermal Biophysics of Membranes, Wiley-VCH 2007". He is Editorial Board member of the Journal "Biophysical Chemistry".