Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Professor, Program Coordinator

Dr. Richard M. Dillaman, Professor, Cell structure and function.

Dr. Timothy A. Ballard, Assistant Professor - Development of connective tissues.

Dr. Sybil K. Burgess, Associate Professor - Biochemical aspects of biocalcification.

Dr. Robert D. Roer, Professor - Mechanisms of calcium deposition.

Dr. David B. Roye, Professor - Crustacean neural biology.

Dr. Thomas H. Shafer, Associate Professor - Molecular biology of development.

			MARINE BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY PROGRAM Dr. Jeffrey Wright - Program Coordinator
		RESEARCH ACTIVITIES Biomineralization This area of research is aimed at understanding the mechanics whereby organisms form and regulate calcium salts in the skeleton. Experimental systems include vertebrate bone formation and skeleton formation in invertebrates, particularly crustaceans. Crustacean Physiology Research in this area is taking advantage of the relative simplicity and accessibility of the respiratory, osmoregulatory and nervous systems in crustaceans. Investigations are in progress to determine the means by which these organisms facilitate the movement and utilization of gases and ions across the gills. Also being examined is the question of how specific sensory systems are utilized to generate coordinated movements (behaviors). Tissue Culture Isolated cells and tissues from both vertebrates and invertebrates are being grown in vitro in order to provide model systems for such diverse physiological phenomena as bone formation, cuticle deposition and mesenchyme differentiation. Support for the Underwater Research Program These investigations are twofold. The first is aimed at developing methods for the detection and monitoring of bubbles in the circulatory systems of persons involved in wet diving operations. Such methods could then be used to identify persons at risk as well as to alter procedures to reduce that risk. The second is the development and utilization of video image enhancement and measurement procedures in order to fully exploit the extensive video information underwater.
		PLANS The goals of the MBEP program include the establishment of a center for comparative biomineralization on the East Coast where investigators can have access to organisms ranging from calcifying algae to invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals
		CONTRIBUTING STAFF Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Professor, Program Coordinator Dr. Richard M. Dillaman, Professor, Cell structure and function. Dr. Timothy A. Ballard, Assistant Professor - Development of connective tissues. Dr. Sybil K. Burgess, Associate Professor - Biochemical aspects of biocalcification. Dr. Robert D. Roer, Professor - Mechanisms of calcium deposition. Dr. David B. Roye, Professor - Crustacean neural biology. Dr. Thomas H. Shafer, Associate Professor - Molecular biology of development.
		VISITING SCIENTISTS Dr. Peter Greenaway, Associate Professor of Biology, University of New South Wales, calcium transport and molting physiology of crustaceans. Dr. Warren K. Ramp, Professor of Oral Biology, University of Louisville, bone cell physiology. Dr. David Bashor, Associate Professor of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, neural network analysis of crustaceans. Dr. Charles W. Holliday, Professor of Biology, Lafayette College, crustacean osmoregulatory physiology. Dr. Frederick Harrison, Professor of Biology, Western Carolina University, efficiency of sponges in removal of bacteria from suspension.
	CURRENT SUPPORT National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ames Research Center; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Health; North Carolina Biotechnology Center; National Undersea Research Center, NOAA.
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