A snapshot of the researchers’ simulation showing orientational ordering under steady shear deformation. Colours code the orientation of the self-propulsion forces, e.g. blue for downward and red for upward; neighbouring particles tend to be oriented in similar directions. Photo: Dr Rituparno Mandal
A snapshot of the researchers' simulation showing orientational ordering under steady shear deformation. Colours code the orientation of the self-propulsion forces, e.g. blue for downward and red for upward; neighbouring particles tend to be oriented in similar directions. Photo: Dr Rituparno Mandal Researchers at Göttingen University use computer simulation to investigate models of living systems Living or biological systems cannot be easily understood using the standard laws of physics, such as thermodynamics, as scientists would for gases, liquids or solids. Living systems are active, demonstrating fascinating properties such as adapting to their environment or repairing themselves. Exploring the questions posed by living systems using computer simulations, researchers at the University of Göttingen have now discovered a novel type of ordering effect generated and sustained by a simple mechanical deformation, specifically steady shear. The results were published in PNAS. Understanding living systems, such as tissues formed by cells, poses a significant challenge because of their unique properties, such as adaptation, self-repair and self-propulsion.
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