A fluid lipid membrane transmits stresses and torques that are fully determined by its
geometry. They can be described by a stress-and torque-tensor, respectively, which yield …

The well-known platelet shape change is the universal hallmark of activation. This review
uncovers the biophysics underlying this rapid and dramatic transformation. We aim to give a …

A fundamental understanding of cell shaping with confined flexible filaments, including
microtubules, actin filaments, and engineered nanotubes, has been limited by the complex …

We study the packing of a large number of congruent and non-overlapping circles inside a
regular polygon. We have devised efficient algorithms that allow one to generate …

We study by extensive computer simulations the looping characteristics of linear polymers
with varying persistence length inside a spherical cavity in the presence of macromolecular …

The fast bloodstream of animals is associated with large shear stresses. To withstand these
conditions, blood cells have evolved a special morphology and a specific internal …

The behavior of an elastic curve bound to a surface will reflect the geometry of its
environment. This may occur in an obvious way: the curve may deform freely along …

Abstract Space-saving design is a requirement that is encountered in biological systems and
the development of modern technological devices alike. Many living organisms dynamically …

We examine analytically equilibrium conformations of elastic chains of paramagnetic beads
in the presence of a precessing magnetic field. Conformations of these filaments are …

Confinement scenarios of thin elastic rods are prevalent in both natural and engineered
systems. The accurate quantification of the mechanical interplay between confined rods and …