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Michael Rubinstein of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been awarded the 2010 Polymer Prize from the American Physical Society.

The prize recognizes outstanding contributions in polymer physics research.

Rubinstein, Ph.D., John P. Barker Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ chemistry department, has been at UNC since 1995.

Polymers – giant, chain-like molecules – make up many materials both within and outside the human body, in everything from DNA and proteins to plastics and tires. Rubinstein’s research aims to understand how polymers move through a tangle formed by neighboring molecules; and if attached to other polymers in a network, how they are deformed when pulled apart, similar to stretching a rubber band. UNC researchers are modeling polymers in the lungs with the goal of developing treatments for diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Rubinstein received his bachelor’s degree from the California Institute of Technology and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard University.

The American Physical Society will present him the award at a meeting in March next year.

Web site: www.aps.org

Photo: http://uncnews.unc.edu/images/stories/news/science/2009/rubinstein_michael_7_06highres%5B1%5D.jpg

College of Arts and Sciences contact: Kim Spurr, (919) 962-4093, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it