TSVP Talk: "Topology, Memory and Flocking in Biological Tissues: How Mechanical History Guides Coherent Collective Migration" by Luiza Angheluta

Title: Topology, Memory and Flocking in Biological Tissues: How mechanical history guides coherent collective migration

Speaker: Luiza Angheluta, University of Oslo

Abstract: How can a tissue of dormant cells rapidly switch to coordinated movement, as during wound healing? We study the onset of epithelial flocking, where cells spontaneously align their motion to form coherent, directional migration. Stresses stored during tissue quiescence generate aster-like patterns and traveling domain walls. These structures promote topological defect annihilation, driving collective ordering. We develop an active elastic model to reproduce experimental defect coarsening and reveal how memory can guide defect motion and tissue migration. Our findings suggest a generic mechanism through which mechanical memory can shape collective dynamics and self-organization in active solids. 

Profile: Luiza Angheluta is Professor of Physics at the University of Oslo. Her research focuses on theoretical and computational approaches to nonequilibrium soft matter, with particular emphasis on topological defects, collective dynamics, and emergent pattern formation. Her work spans different topics in active matter systems and liquid crystals physics, superfluid flows, and crystal deformations. It combines statistical physics with interdisciplinary approaches to complex systems across the physics and life sciences. https://www.mn.uio.no/fysikk/english/people/aca/luizaa/

Language: English

Target audience: General audience/everyone at OIST and beyond.
Freely accessible to all OIST members and guests without registration.

This talk will also be broadcast online via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 993 1216 5065
Passcode: 603487

※ Please note that this event may be recorded and the videos uploaded. In addition, photos may be taken during the event. These are intended for publication online (the OIST website, social media, etc.)※