NANOPARTICLES

First discovered by geologist Robert L. Folk in hot spring deposits at Viterbo, Lazio, Italy, nano (10-9) sized particles have since been discovered in mammalian blood and human kidney stones and calcified arteries. Our program is directed toward identifying and culturing nanoparticles from calcified human arterial plaque. These studies represent a multidisciplinary effort which includes the expertise of Dr. Folk at the University of Texas, Austin, and microbiologists, surgeons, nephrologists, cardiologists, and pathologists at the Mayo Clinic. Although some controversy exists regarding whether or not nanoparticles are a life form, the fact that the particles can be cultured outside of the body and show staining for nucleic acids, suggest that they are. Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries has been classified as an inflammatory disease for decades. If Koch's postulates can be proven, that is, nanoparticles can be found in arterial plaque, can be cultured and finally injected into an experimental animal to cause the disease - WOW!

For fun, why not type "nanobacteria" into a web search engine and see for yourself. Better yet, come join our group as a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow!