Biocomplexity III:

    The Role of Tissue Mechanics in Biological Responses to Mechanical Loading

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Sponsored by:	The University of Notre Dame Center for the Study of Biocomplexity and the Indiana University School of Medicine
Dates:	November 8, 9 and 10th 2002
	The University of Notre Dame McKenna Center for Continuing Education
Co-organizers:	Glen L. Niebur, University of Notre Dame Mark Alber, University of Notre Dame Charles H. Turner, Indiana University Medical School James Glazier, Indiana University, Bloomington

The workshop was made possible through the financial support of:
The National Institutes of Health (NIBIB)
The University of Notre Dame Center for the Study of Biocomplexity, Graduate School, Center
for Applied Mathematics, Department of Biology, and College of Engineering

Travel support for junior investigators was provided through grants from:
The National Science Foundation (BES and CMP) and the Whitaker Foundation

Overview:

    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.