Evidence for an Unfolded Border-Collision Bifurcation in Paced Cardiac Tissue

Dr. Carolyn Martsberger
Postdoctoral Associate
Duke University Medical Center

The heart is a complex, nonlinear system that adjusts the rhythm of its beat in response to activities in our daily life.  The heart can demonstrate an array of behaviors, from periodic beating to asynchronous contractions.  The development of nonlinear physics has provided us with tools to study such a complex system. In this talk, I will introduce some of the basic ideas in nonlinear dynamics such as fixed points, bifurcations and instabilities that have provided the framework to uncover the dynamics of very intricate systems such as cardiac tissue.  I will reformulate a generalizable model utilized in nonlinear physics to elucidate the complex rhythms that can emerge in the heart, and demonstrate how a physics background provides a unique lens to dissect complex, real world problems.