< Previous50 UNIVERSITY NEWS AUBURNTIGERS.COM Some might say that Michael Gram- lich’s groundbreaking research on Alzhei- mer’s disease and dementia is huge, but in fact, you might call it small — that is, “mo- lecular-level” small. “Thinking occurs across every scale, from the individual atom up to the entire brain,” he said. “Labs like mine start with how individual molecules interact, then combine their behavior in increasingly complex models at larger time and space scales to build understanding.” Gramlich, an associate professor in the College of Sciences and Mathematics’ Department of Physics, is an expert in bi- ological physics, which means he studies how the physics of biological processes differs from standard laws of physics. “Biological physics is what drives the new creative models we’re trying to de- velop,” he said. “We discover new ways to understand the stuff we already know, but from a different perspective.” A major biological process he’s current- ly targeting is brain degeneration associ- ated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Gramlich conducts research out of two locations: one space in the Leach Science Center focused on fundamental physics and an- other at the Harrison College of Pharmacy, where he conducts research with Profes- sor Miranda Reed on how drug interac- tions affect memory at the molecular level. The physics of memory maintenance One of Gramlich’s recent fundamental findings is a new model of how memory maintenance occurs at the molecular lev- el, a necessity for the long-term recollec- tion of memories. His model predicts how memory maintenance works not just in creating and recalling memories, but also in forgetting them — the telltale sign of Alz- heimer’s disease and dementia. Gramlich said researchers have plenty of biological evidence for how these diseases progress, but no coherent model to understand or predict how the complex molecular pro- cesses lead to degeneration over time. “We knew that a breakdown in sponta- neous communication between neurons of the brain correlates with a breakdown in actual memories,” he said. “But up until now, nobody really had a theoretical model to predict how breakdown in spontaneous communication leads to neurodegenera- tion in dementias like Alzheimer’s disease.” Gramlich’s next goal is to delve into the physics behind why Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients not only struggle to recall memories but also have difficulty making new ones. “When you’re trying to make memories, it’s the same spontaneous communication process that’s thought to be involved, but nobody really knows how,” he said. Creative collaboration While Gramlich is uncovering how the process of memory works, researchers like Reed are finding the drug interventions that can impact that process. In their col- laborative work, Gramlich pinpoints the brain’s many molecular processes and identifies which ones can lead to neuro- degenerative disease. Reed and Gramlich then work together to find drug interven- tions that target these processes while minimizing disruption to other essential molecular processes. “I can come up with theories about neu- rological pathways and experiments to test them all day long, but Dr. Reed is able to tar- get these pathways with different drugs,” he said. “Working with her has been one of the best collaborations I’ve ever had.” So, what’s next for Gramlich, Reed and the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia re- search? “In the next 10 years, we are going to figure out how early dementia actually starts in the brain,” he said. “The research is indicating that for some types of demen- tia, it’s genetic, and by that, I mean it’s al- ready starting when you’re born.” While he foresees an incredible amount of progress in the near future, Gramlich said scientists across the field need support to continue their ground- breaking work. “Science is the final frontier because it’s an endless frontier; there are always new things to figure out, and we are making significant progress,” he said. “We’ve got a vast amount of potential, but the one thing that would really help us accelerate this progress is resources.” UNIVERSITY NEWS BY: KELLEY YOUNG TINY MOLECULES, BIG DISCOVERIES: SOLVING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE MYSTERIES BY APPLYING LAWS OF PHYSICS TO BIOLOGY The Neurophysics Lab at Auburn is where Michael Gramlich (left) applies physics to neuroscience problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Pharmacy’s Miranda Reed, who also studies Alzheimer’s disease, works with Michael Gramlich on how drug interactions affect memory at the molecular level.52 NEXT MEN UP AUBURNTIGERS.COM College football’s youngest player, 17-year-old Auburn center Kail Ellis knows he belongs with the big boys. After all, he is a big boy. “I like to stay humble, but I think I can compete with some of the best.” the 6-4, 315-pound freshman said. “I want to continue to show that as weeks go on.” Ellis will get his opportunity to take over for captain Connor Lew, who will miss the rest of the season with an injury. An all-state standout at Cass High School in Canton, Georgia, Ellis reclassified to graduate in 2025, a year ahead of schedule, a move he began contemplating after attending Auburn’s Big Cat recruiting event in 2024. “I felt like I didn’t have anything else to gain in high school,” said Ellis, who passed up his senior season. “To get under an SEC lifting program, an SEC O-line coach (Jake Thornton) who I think is the best in the country and especially get behind Connor for a year. I had in mind to learn under his wings.” Most SEC offensive lines, including Auburn’s, are dominated by upperclassmen. It’s rare for true freshmen to earn playing time, much less someone who would typically be a high school senior. “It’s huge having that trust from the coaches to go in and compete,” said Ellis, who won’t turn 18 until April, after spring practice. “It’s very valuable. For the long run, it’s going to help me tremendously. That’s going to be huge for my future to keep pressing on with my teammates.” While Auburn’s 2025 class excels on defense where five true freshmen have played in all seven games, Ellis and Omar Mabson II are representing Auburn’s offense, with more to come. Like Ellis, Mabson reclassified to get a head start on the Plains. “The more experience you get, the more ready you will be, the more you’ll have in your bag to where you can develop more as a player,” Mabson said. The 5-9, 213-pound Auburn High School graduate scored his first collegiate touchdown against Missouri, turning his only carry into a lifelong memory. “Seeing him have a chance to get the ball near the goal line and get in, to run a little power and vision was awesome to see from him,” offensive coordinator and running backs coach Derrick Nix said. “Great to see him have success. He’s done a great job all season. He makes me think he’s a veteran guy who’s been here for years, but he hasn’t. Very detail-oriented.” Getting the ball at the 1-yard line shows the respect Mabson has earned from his coaches. “It meant that they trust me to get in the end zone,” he said. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can do to help my team win. If they would have put me in or not, I’m just trying to help the team win. Whatever I have to do to help the team win, I’m going to do it. If that’s me being the biggest cheerleader, I just want to contribute to the team however I can.” Mabson’s next challenge is to master pass protection, knowing he often is the only thing standing between a blitzing defender and Auburn’s quarterback. “Everything else is kind of natural,” he said. “When it comes to pass protection, you’ve got to put your mouthpiece in and get up there.” NEXT MEN UP BY: JEFF SHEARER AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: FRESHMEN ELLIS, MABSON NEXT MEN UP FOR AUBURN OFFENSE54 2025 STADIUM MAP 2025 STADIUM MAP AUBURNTIGERS.COMThe Medical School making a difference in our community EVERY DAY ©2025 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. All rights reserved. Please go to www.vcom.edu/outcomes for a copy of our outcomes report. At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Auburn, Alabama our mission is to train future physicians who are community-focused and ready to make a difference. That starts right here at home. Over the last 20 years, VCOM students and alumni have made great improvements to healthcare in southern Appalachia, but there is still work to be done. We’re inviting you to join us in this mission and make a difference for our community. 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