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At the microscopic level the correct working of our organism vitally depends on chemical and physical signals. It was shown recently that signals of mechanical nature result in very profound effects on animal cells. Here, concepts and techniques from physics are profoundly changing the understanding of biological phenomena. We have developed methods to apply defined mechanical stimuli to cells and quantify their mechanical responses and activity. Using such techniques we, and others, are approaching the principles underlying the intricate interplay of cells and forces.

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Prof. Dr. Rudolf Merkel, Institute of Complex Systems, Jülich
Hörsaal 3
Contact: not specified