Short Wave The Biologist Who Talks With Cells
Dec 8, 2022
Dr. Sandra Murray, a cell biology professor at the University of Pittsburgh and the first person of color to lead the American Society for Cell Biology, shares her insights on how over 30 trillion cells communicate without brains. She explores the intricate language of cellular messaging during critical processes like wound healing and childbirth. Murray also opens up about her journey as a Black woman in STEM, the challenges she faced, and the importance of representation in science. Her passion for both art and science shines through her work in microscopy.
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Cell Communication
- Cells communicate using molecules, passing information to adjacent cells.
- This molecular exchange allows cells to act collectively, like a team.
Cells in Childbirth
- Childbirth is an example of coordinated cell action.
- Uterine muscle cells communicate to push simultaneously, facilitating delivery.
Cell Regulation
- Cells not only initiate actions but also know when to stop, crucial for processes like wound healing.
- Uncontrolled cell growth, like in cancer, disrupts this balance.