Stress relaxation rates of myocardium from failing and non-failing hearts.

The heart is a dynamic pump whose function is influenced by its mechanical properties. The viscoelastic properties of the heart, i.e.

Differential Effects of Confinement on the Dynamics of Normal and Tumor-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Organoids.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a cancer of the epithelia comprising the ductal network of the pancreas. During disease progression, PDAC tumors recruit fibroblasts that promote fibrosis, increasing local tissue stiffness and subjecting epithelial cells to increased compressive forces. Previous in vitro studies have documented cytoskeletal and nuclear adaptation following compressive stresses in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) environments.

Photoresponsive hydrogel friction.

Photoresponsive hydrogels are an emerging class of stimuli-responsive materials that exhibit changes in physical or chemical properties in response to light. Previous investigations have leveraged photothermal mechanisms to achieve reversible changes in hydrogel friction, although few have focused on photochemical means. To date, the tribological properties of photoswitchable hydrogels (, friction and lubrication) have remained underexplored.

Bioinspired Lubricity from Surface Gel Layers.

Surface gel layers on commercially available contact lenses have been shown to reduce frictional shear stresses and mitigate damage during sliding contact with fragile epithelial cell layers in vitro. Spencer and co-workers recently demonstrated that surface gel layers could arise from oxygen-inhibited free-radical polymerization. In this study, polyacrylamide hydrogel shell probes (7.

Experimental observation of near-wall effects during the puncture of soft solids.

Performing conventional mechanical characterization techniques on soft materials can be challenging due to issues such as limited sample volumes and clamping difficulties. Deep indentation and puncture is a promising alternative as it is an information-rich measurement with the potential to be performed in a high-throughput manner. Despite its promise, the method lacks standardized protocols, and open questions remain about its possible limitations.