The cortex is a thin, crosslinked actin network lying immediately beneath the plasma
membrane of animal cells. Myosin motors exert contractile forces in the meshwork. Because …

The physical principles underlying some current biomedical applications of magnetic
nanoparticles are reviewed. Starting from well-known basic concepts, and drawing on …

The fluid-mosaic model posits a liquid-like plasma membrane, which can flow in response to
tension gradients. It is widely assumed that membrane flow transmits local changes in …

A progress report is presented on a selection of scientific, technological and commercial
advances in the biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles since 2003. Particular …

The atomic force microscope (AFM) is not only a tool to image the topography of solid
surfaces at high resolution. It can also be used to measure force-versus-distance curves …

Single-molecule force spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate the forces
and motions associated with biological molecules and enzymatic activity. The most common …

The development of tissue engineering in the field of orthopaedic surgery is now booming.
Two fields of research in particular are emerging: the association of osteo-inductive factors …

Magnetic nanoparticles have been proposed for use as biomedical purposes to a large
extent for several years. In recent years, nanotechnology has developed to a stage that …

A cell undergoes many genetic and epigenetic changes as it transitions to malignancy.
Malignant transformation is also accompanied by a progressive loss of tissue homeostasis …

In 1993, a Commentary in this journal described how a simple mechanical model of cell
structure based on tensegrity architecture can help to explain how cell shape, movement …