Cellular and Organismal Responses to Endogenous and Exogenous Fields

Bioelectrochemistry is an extremely broad subject, incorporating the basic disciplines of biophysics, cell biology, developmental biology, electrochemistry, bioelectromagnetics, nanotechnology, computational and mathematical modeling, engineering, physics, and medicine. An improved understanding of how cells and tissues interact with electric and magnetic fields has stimulated development of novel clinical therapies for detection and treatment of soft tissue tumors, wound repair, stem cell differentiation, and for non-viral gene delivery via electroporation. Further, the field has contributed to our understanding of cellular and organismal development, as well as how electric fields can alter these processes during normal and aberrant growth. All of these areas are the subject of the 2014 Gordon Research Conference and Gordon Research Seminar on Bioelectrochemistry. The Conference will focus on the basic molecular mechanisms related to these areas and will include many new and innovative studies that will expand our knowledge and appreciation of the field. While the Conference deals with many divergent areas, great emphasis will be placed on stressing the connections between the planned sessions so that all participants are engaged to create a unified meeting.

This conference is unique in its design to bring together researchers on bioelectric fields and clinicians to consider how these techniques can be developed further to yield novel clinical applications. This requires improved understanding of both the beneficial and detrimental consequences of electric field exposure to cells and the identification of specific medical questions that have the potential to be resolved using electrically based therapies. Attendees are encouraged to present posters that stimulate additional discussions. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for junior researchers (e.g. graduate students or postdocs) to present their work to leaders in the field within a uniquely constructive atmosphere. Further, the associated Gordon Research Seminar will facilitate these opportunities.