D. Ryan King, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Associate at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, talks about opportunities, advice, and future advancements of Virginia's biotech ecosystem

Ryan King's research focuses on understanding how modest changes in electrolyte levels can have a profound impact on cardiac function, both electrically and mechanically. Through his work, he and fellow researchers are gaining a better understanding that there is no "one size fits all" electrolyte therapy in regards to cardiac function; rather, the intervention needs to be problem-specific. There are instances in which it is more important to preserve electrical function than mechanical function and vice-versa. When these instances arise it's crucial to understand what electrolyte modifications are necessary to achieve the desired results.