Flow network morphology as memory map: Principles of fluid flow driven dynamic memory in living tubular networks

Germany, Feb. 13 -- Project Id: 124604

Description: Project description

Exploring memory in fluid networks of living organisms

Living systems transport vital cargo including signalling molecules, oxygen, nutrients and waste over long and short distances with the help of fluids coursing through vast tubular networks. Many of these tubes respond dynamically to changes in flow characteristics, for example increasing diameter in response to increasing flow velocity. These adaptations can be long-term, essentially reflecting a type of memory storage for the preceding events and conditions. The EU-funded FlowMem project is investigating how local transient stimuli can induce long-term changes; the goal is to use this knowledge to modulate tubu...