Kim-Shapiro Lab

We use physical tools such as various kinds of spectroscopy to solve biological problems with the goal of improving human health. Our work spans basic biophysical and biochemical mechanistic studies to translational studies to participating in human clinical trials. Our work was a key component in the discovery that nitrite, rather than being biologically inert, is converted to the important signaling molecule nitric oxide by a novel function of the oxygen carrying molecule in red blood cells, hemoglobin. Nitric oxide has potential therapeutic applications in a host of diseases and pathological conditions so that nitrite therapeutics is an active area of our and others' studies, including where nitrite is delivered through consumption of high nitrate foods and beverages, like beetroot juice.

Positions available for pay or credit in Physics or Biology/BMB

No prior experience needed

Contact: Daniel Kim-Shapiro, shapiro@wfu.edu, Olin 208, 758-4993

More information at http://users.wfu.edu/shapiro/research/