Exploring Brain Mechanics
The central nervous system (CNS) is our most complex organ system. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of the biochemical, electrical, and genetic regulation of CNS functioning and malfunctioning, many fundamental processes and diseases are still not fully understood. Only recently, groups of several PLs in this consortium, and a few other groups worldwide, have discovered an important contribution of mechanical signals to regulating CNS cell function. The CRC 1540 ‘Exploring Brain Mechanics’ will synergize the expertise of engineers, physicists, biologists, medical researchers, and clinicians in Erlangen and Berlin to exploit mechanics-based approaches to advance our understanding of CNS function and, as a long-term vision, to provide the foundation for future improvement of diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
„This exciting, multidisciplinary Collaborative Research Center on brain mechanics was launched at the right time to better understand the relationship between molecules, cells and tissue with brain function and disease. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the development of brain mechanics as a Mercator Fellow in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1540 EBM.“
Gerhard A. Holzapfel (Mercator Fellow)
„This CRC 1540 Exploring Brain Mechanics addresses a significant and very timely challenge, the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, by bringing together world leading engineers, physicists, biologists, medical researchers, and clinicians. I am thrilled to be part of this team and explore the role of mechanical forces in the central nervous system as a Mercator Fellow.“
Ellen Kuhl (Mercator Fellow)
This symposium brings together leading researchers from around the world to discuss the latest findings in brain mechanics, fostering collaboration and advancing our understanding of the brain’s mechanical properties.
At the end of March, Clara Froidevaux (A03) and Shanice Heidenreich (C04) worked together to prepare mouse brain slices using a vibratome (see image). These slices will provide valuable insights into the metastasis of melanoma to the brain.
Shanice Heidenreich, C04
On March 21, 2025, the harmonization workshop on Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) brought together participants to explore MRE principles and applications. Hosted at ZMPT, the event featured both interactive discussions and hands-on sessions with advanced MRE equipment, fostering knowledge exchange among EBM consortium members.
Lab Shadowing: In early March, Michael Tranchina (A04) and Nina Reiter (B01, BRAINIACS) conducted collaborative experiments to examine the mechanical properties of aging organoids. Using a rheometer, they explored how necrosis and cellular diversity may impact organoid stability and stiffness.
On February 20th, the EBM group attended the Doctoral Researchers' Seminar organized by Jana Bachir Salvador (Project B03) and Ezgi Erterek (Project C02). The seminar took place in the newly established Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, providing an ideal setting for discussions on integrating physics, medicine, and neuroscience.
