Events Calendar

AME Seminar

Speaker: Morteza Gharib, Caltech

Talk Title: Vortex in the Eye: Thermal Effects on Fluid Mixing in the Eye

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of central vision loss in the developed world. Wet AMD can be managed through serial intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. However, sometimes the treatment is ineffective. Given that the half-life of the drug is limited, inefficient mixing of the injected drug in the vitreous chamber of the eye may contribute to the ineffectiveness. Here, we introduce thermal heating as a means of enhancing the mixing-process in the vitreous chamber and investigate parameters that potentially influence its effectiveness. Our in-vitro studies point to the importance of the location of the heating on the eye. A significant increase in the mixing and delivery of drugs to the targeted area (the macula) could be achieved by placing heating pads so that a current against gravity is induced in the vitreous. The presented results can potentially help in the development of a better strategy for intravitreal injection and improve the quality of patient care.

Biography: Mory Gharib is Hans W. Liepmann Professor of Aeronautics and Bioinspired Engineering; Chair of Graduate Aerospace Department (GALCIT); Director of Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies. He received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tehran University (1975) and his M.S. 1978, in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University and his Ph.D.1983, in Aeronautics from Caltech. He joined Caltech as a professor of Aeronautics.

Professor Gharib's current research interests in conventional fluid dynamics and aeronautics include Vortex dynamics, active and passive flow control, autonomous flight, and underwater systems. His Biological flows research includes cardiovascular and ophthalmology, and medical devices.

Dr. Gharib's honors and affiliations include: Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences; Member, National Academy of Engineering; Charter Fellow, National Academy of Inventors; Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science; Fellow, American Physical Society; Fellow, American Society of Mechanical EngineeringHe has received the G.I. Taylor Medal from the Society of Engineering Sciences, The Fluid Dynamics Prize from the American Physical Society and five new technology recognition awards from NASA in the fields of advanced laser imaging and nanotechnology. In 2008 he received R&D Magazine's "R&D 100 innovation award" for one of the year's best inventions for his 3-D imaging camera system. Additionally, Dr. Gharib has published more than 250 papers in refereed journals and has been issued 120 U.S. Patents.

Host: AME Department

More Info: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97398164359

Webcast: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97398164359

WebCast Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97398164359

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Tessa Yao

Event Link: https://usc.zoom.us/j/97398164359