The Role of Tissue Mechanics in Biological Responses
to Mechanical Loading

Sponsored by:

The University of Notre Dame Center for the Study of Biocomplexity
and Indiana University School of Medicine

November 8, 9, and 10th 2002
The University of Notre Dame McKenna Center for Continuing Education Auditorium

Co-organizers:
Glen L. Niebur, Mark Alber (University of Notre Dame), Charles H. Turner (Indiana University Medical School) and James Glazier (Indiana University, Bloomington)

The mechanical properties of biological tissues have been studied by mathematicians and mechanicians for centuries. Biological tissues are of interest from an applied perspective, as they form the structural components that allow organisms to interact with their environment. From a theoretical standpoint, the mechanics of biological materials range from simple linear elasticity to complex coupled fluid-solid-electrochemical models, providing ample challenges for mathematicians, physicists and engineers.

Perhaps the most interesting characteristic of biological tissues is that cells on the surface, embedded within, or in close proximity to the tissue cause active or passive responses of the tissue to mechanical loading. Thus, tissues are not only structural components, but also act as transmitters and modulators of mechanical stimuli from the environment to cells. The cells in turn respond to these stimuli, resulting in altered mechanical properties or structure of the tissue.

This symposium will explore the function of biological tissues as modulators of mechanical stimuli applied to cells and as transducers of mechanical forces. A wide variety of lectures will be presented, ranging from tissue formation and remodeling, to methodologies for probing the mechanical properties of tissues and cells.

The Symposium will run from 8:00 A.M. Friday November 8th to 4:00 P.M. Sunday November 10th. An additional Thursday afternoon lecture will be given by Dr. Steven Vogel, entitled "Biomechanics of Ancient Tasks". A Friday lunch and evening reception, Saturday lunch, and Saturday banquet will be held, and are included in the $75 registration fee.

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of the National Science Foundation (BES and CMP), The National Institutes of Health (NIBIB), The Whitaker Foundation, The University of Notre Dame Graduate School, Center for Applied Mathematics, Department of Biology, and College of Engineering