Physics of Living Systems

At the MPI-CBG we explore how physical principles shape the dynamic behaviors of biological matter—from molecules to organisms. Our central aim is to uncover how life self-organizes in space and time, and how physical forces, material properties, and energy flows contribute to growth, form, and function in living systems.

Our groups investigate how mechanical forces and chemical signaling intertwine to drive morphogenesis, growth, and pattern formation. We examine mechanochemical self-organization in molecules, surfaces, and volumes across a variety of systems including C. elegans, zebrafish, quail, Drosophila, and vertebrate tissues. Approaches from theoretical physics, mathematics, and the computer sciences are combined with experiments to uncover the role of active materials, topological defects, spontaneous strain, and energy consumption in shaping cells, tissues, and organs.

Our research is rooted in the active matter physics framework, combining soft matter physics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and dynamical systems theory with state-of-the-art imaging and modeling. Our interdisciplinary efforts spans questions of how tissues maintain shape despite variability, how networks emerge, and how organ growth is measured and regulated. Researchers also develop novel imaging tools to visualize morphogenesis and investigate metabolic energetics during development and regeneration.

Together, these efforts advance our understanding of the physical basis of life, and generate new concepts in physics inspired by biological complexity.

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