Read article: Worm slime could inspire recyclable polymer design Biomaterials Research update Worm slime could inspire recyclable polymer design Previously unknown protein-based feature in slime allows it to transform from liquid to fibre and back again
Read article: Quantum physics guides proton motion in biological systems Biophysics Research update Quantum physics guides proton motion in biological systems A central mechanism behind information transfer in living cells depends on the transfer of electrons with a specific spin
Read article: Speedy worms behave like active polymers in disordered mazes Biophysics Research update Speedy worms behave like active polymers in disordered mazes The presence of disorder causes worms to speed up, not slow down – a surprising result with applications in robotics
Read article: Epithelial cells send electrical signals, possibly to communicate Biophysics Research update Epithelial cells send electrical signals, possibly to communicate Observations of electrical signal propagation across colonies of epithelial cells suggest they may be able to communicate, similarly to neurons, but much more slowly
Read article: ‘The thrill of discovering something is a joy’: biophysicist Lisa Manning reflects on the surprising collaborations and intentional steps that have shaped her career Biophysics Feature ‘The thrill of discovering something is a joy’: biophysicist Lisa Manning reflects on the surprising collaborations and intentional steps that have shaped her career Lisa Manning explains her research on tissue development and reflects on the changes she has made to her mentoring style during her career
Read article: Quantum behaviour in brain neurons looks theoretically possible Biophysics Research update Quantum behaviour in brain neurons looks theoretically possible A study probing quantum phenomena in brain neurons could provide fresh insight into how our brains function
Read article: A model stretch: explaining the rheology of developing tissue Biophysics Research update A model stretch: explaining the rheology of developing tissue Researchers explain the puzzling scaling law governing how developing epithelial cells stretch over time
Read article: ‘Sneeze simulator’ could improve predictions of pathogen spread Modelling and simulation Research update ‘Sneeze simulator’ could improve predictions of pathogen spread 3D nasal cavity model could also inform the design of masks and ventilation systems
Read article: Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus Biophysics Research update Bacterial ‘cables’ form a living gel in mucus Finding could help treat bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, say biophysicists
Read article: Imaging reveals how microplastics may harm the brain Biophysics Research update Imaging reveals how microplastics may harm the brain Studies in mice show that microplastics entering the bloodstream are engulfed by immune cells, forming clusters that can block cerebral blood vessels