Inspired by the mechanics of a phase of matter called liquid crystals, researchers have developed the first three-dimensional model of a layer of cells and the extrusion behavior that emerges from their physical interactions. From this new model, the team discovered that the more a cell is squeezed by its neighbors in a particular symmetric way, the more likely it is to get extruded from the group. [Caltech story]
Written by
Lori Dajose



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Model illustrating how cells exert pressure on one another, leading to extrusion.
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Guruswami Ravichandran
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José Andrade
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