This talk will describe the mechanical properties of active biopolymer networks. Addition of myosin motors to actin networks can lead to increases in the elasticity of several orders of magnitude. These remarkable materials have a mechanical response that is very similar to that of cells, and these studies provide insight into the design principles of the materials properties of living cells.
Coffee and cookies before the presentation at 3:50 pm, and refreshments after the presentation will both be served in Room 128.