News

Multi-tasking much, these days? The microtubule cytoskeleton is, too. Biologist Ram Dixit in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis has been awarded $2 million by the National Institutes of Health to study this important shape-shifter.

Using 3D mapping, researchers uncover a process that has stymied mechanobiology

Mechanosensitive channel transporting ions induces program of cell suicide

Dixit lab finds motor proteins that create more stable tracks to deliver much-needed materials

Amit Pathak found that collagen fiber length within the body may be a key overlooked parameter that some normal cells use to become invasive

While engineers have gathered a lot of information about cells, they have not been able to tell the difference between how structural and material stiffnesses affect the behavior of a cell — until now.

Cells in a group mimic birds migrating in a flock, giving insight into how aggressive tumor cells invade the body

Mechanical engineer’s research on cell behavior’s relationship to metastasis gets boost from NIH grant

Amit Pathak, assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, and his team found that one small defect in tissue boundaries known as the basement membrane can lead normal cells to take on characteristics of diseased cells, such as cancer cells, and invade the surrounding tissue.

Washington University and the National University of Singapore (NUS) partnered to present the multi-day symposia, “University Partnerships for Innovation: Advancing Human Well-Being.” The event included a symposium on mechanobiology, one on inclusion in asset building, and a special joint session on innovation partnerships. The aim was to illuminate applied research and innovations at the intersection of social policy, engineering and medicine.

Guy Genin, an internationally renowned expert in mechanobiology, was installed as the Harold and Kathleen Faught Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis Feb. 12.

Molecular brakemen keep transporter proteins in check until it’s their turn to move

Washington University in St. Louis strives to help solve some of the world’s biggest problems, but the effort doesn’t occur in a vacuum. The university is fully engaged with a global network of partners, via education programs and research initiatives, to develop tangible and lasting solutions.

How dandelion seeds act as a perfect pipette in the lab