George Heath

Dr George Heath is a University Academic Fellow at the University of Leeds, jointly affiliated with the School of Physics & Astronomy and the School of Biomedical Sciences within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences. His research bridges physics and biology, focusing on high-resolution imaging of biomolecular dynamics.

Research Interests: Dr Heath specializes in High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM), with core interests in the structural and dynamic behavior of membrane proteins, particularly TRPC ion channels and mechanosensitive channels. His work aims to understand how these proteins respond to mechanical and chemical stimuli at the nanoscale, with implications for drug discovery and disease mechanisms.

His lab is pioneering HS-AFM techniques to achieve microsecond temporal and sub-nanometer spatial resolution, enabling real-time observation of protein conformational changes. This involves developing novel non-scanning AFM methods to study molecular dynamics under stimuli.

Scientific Awards:

Advising and Grants:

• No students or grants explicitly mentioned in the text.

Labs and Teams: Dr Heath leads a research group focused on advancing HS-AFM technology and its application to biological systems. His team works at the intersection of physics, engineering, and biomedical sciences, aiming to uncover fundamental mechanisms of ion channel function in health and disease.