CELL MECHANICS

Apr 07 2026SCIENCE

How Cells Feel Their Surroundings on Fiber-Based Materials

Scientists often ask: how do cells "know" if a surface is soft or stiff when it’s made of tiny fibers instead of a flat sheet? This question matters because the answer helps design better materials for healing wounds or growing new tissues. The study looks at two common ways to measure this stiffnes

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Jul 08 2025SCIENCE

Vimentin's Quick Makeover: How Scientists Are Rapidly Changing Cell Structures

Vimentin, a crucial part of the cell's skeleton, is getting a fast-track makeover. Scientists have developed new tools to swiftly alter vimentin's position within cells, either throughout the entire cytoplasm or in specific areas. These tools use light or drugs to attach vimentin to tiny cellular mo

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