Theoretical Physics of Living Systems The development of an organism from a single fertilized cell into an embryo is a spectacular display of self-organization. This process is determined by the collective dynamics of cells…
The molecular architecture of cells Cells perform specific biochemical reactions by concentrating their proteins into subcellular compartments called organelles. These include the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi,…
Physical mechanisms in bacterial multicellular development Bacterial communities Bacterial biofilms are surface-associated assemblages of bacterial cells that are now considered to be the most abundant form of microbial life…
Formation and function of membraneless organelles Life ultimately depends on the tight control of gene expression, which requires ordered and efficient processing of various RNA molecules. Yet, we know very little about the…
Development of neuronal circuits and cognitive functions The ability to navigate the world and create memories of everyday events relies on the activity of neurons that, in mammals, are located in the entorhinal cortex and…
How embryonic cells develop into complex organs Our body consists of 30 trillion cells that are organized into organs such as the liver, heart and kidneys. These specialized cells are generated in the embryo by a combination…
Evolution of pathogenic bacteria The current antibiotic resistance crisis testifies that technological progress is lagging behind bacterial evolution. Understanding the general principles underlying the evolution of…
Vertebrate Development and Behavior → Schierlab Although scientific knowledge has advanced enormously in the last thirty years, we still only superficially understand how a single fertilized egg cell develops to form a…
Evolution of viruses and bacteria Each year Switzerland experiences an influenza outbreak. Despite best efforts, the influenza vaccine sometimes offers only limited protection. The reason for this is that viruses and other…
Uncovering the fundamental shapes of life Proteins are essential components of the fundamental processes of life. They carry oxygen in our blood, generate the energy we need, allow us to see and think, and are irreplaceable…
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