By Liz Leitch

ATHENS, Ohio - Biochemist and NQPI faculty member Tadeusz Malinski served as the distinguished speaker at Ohio University’s Founders Day on Friday February 2, 2007.

Malinski’s speech titled “Nanomedicine for the Heart” covered his research on nitric oxide and its role in the human body.  Using nanosensors his lab developed in the 1980s, Malinski was able to prove by direct measurement that nitric oxide was released by a single endothelial cell.

Nitric oxide is best known as an environmental pollutant, but Malinski’s technique helped prove that it provides necessary functions in the body, such as regulating blood pressure, wound healing and helps white blood cells defend against cancer and pathogens.

“It is difficult to detect because of its size ratio compared to other molecules,” said Malinski who thinks the ideal system would include a nanoshuttle similar to a space shuttle containing a battery powered navigation system to penetrate a particular spot that researchers select.  His research group has already created the world’s smallest battery, measuring about one nanometer in length.

Malinski received the Distinguished Professor Award from Ohio University in 2006 for his research and contributions to the field of science.  The award is considered the university’s highest honor.  In addition, Malinski’s work appears in more than 250 scholarly publications and scientific journals.