Fluid flows organising morphology
Orateur : Karen Alim / Max Planck Institute, Munich, Allemagne
Abstract : Fluid flows can propagate information on large scales – an essential feature during the development of an organism. What are the principal mechanisms of how fluid flows induce, transmit and respond to biological signals and thus control morphology ? The role of fluid flows is particularly prominent during the adaptation of transport networks. Here, the network-forming slime mould Physarum polycephalum emerged as a model. Investigating the pivotal role of fluid flows in this live transport network we find that flows are patterned in a peristaltic wave thereby optimising transport. In fact, flows are hijacked by signals to propagate throughout the network promoting their own transport by invoking a propagating front of increased flow. This simple feedback of flows on morphology is sufficient to explain complex dynamics of the living network like finding the shortest path through a maze.
Date et lieu : le vendredi 6 mars 2020 à 11h, salle 250 IUSTI
Voir en ligne : la page personnelle de l’orateur