June 19 'Sunday Scientist' features heart-related research

Linxia Gu
Linxia Gu

UNL researchers striving to help prevent and treat cardiovascular problems will be featured in the University of Nebraska State Museum’s “Sunday with a Scientist” event.

The program, “Engineering Better Heart Health,” is 1:30 to 4:30, June 19, and will be led by Linxia Gu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in UNL’s College of Engineering; Mark James, Lincoln Public Schools teacher; staff from the Nebraska Heart Institute; and graduate students. The scientists will explain how they are working to improve cardiovascular health and save lives using engineering technologies known as tissue mechanics.

Through fun, hands-on activities, visitors will learn about common heart health issues such as hardening and narrowing of the arteries. A heart simulator, stent and heart valve device will be on hand to demonstrate blood flow and what happens when that flow is interrupted.

Sunday with a Scientist is a series of presentations that highlight the work of State Museum scientists and those from other UNL departments and institutions, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters will share scientific information in a fun and informal way through demonstrations, activities, or by conducting their science on site. Sunday with a Scientist programs are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Morrill Hall on the third Sunday of each month.

Upcoming Sunday with a Scientist Topics: July 17 — Fish; Aug. 21 — Climate Change; Sept. 18 — Plants; Oct. 16 — Fossils; Nov. 20 — Viruses; Dec. 18 — Minerals.

- Dana Ludvik, NU State Museum

More details at: http://go.unl.edu/hjj