Jay Reilley Presents at the 2025 SURI Poster Session

2025-07-09
#research

Jay Reilley presented his research poster, Predicting ATM Kinase Activation with Dominant Feline Purr Frequencies, at the Fall 2025 CSM Celebrates Student Research Poster Session. Reilley investigated whether the characteristic frequencies of domestic cat purrs — identified through spectral analysis of recordings from seven cats as clustering near 20 Hz and 200 Hz — could activate cellular DNA repair mechanisms. Using a custom motor-driven apparatus to transmit purr-like vibrations to cell cultures and computational modeling of the mechanosensitive protein Vinculin, the research found that simulated purr frequencies induce increased stiffness in cytoskeletal components, suggesting a potential pathway for activating ATM kinase, a key protein in DNA protection and repair.