Inspired by the mechanics of a phase of matter called liquid crystals, researchers have developed the first three-dimensional model of a layer of cells and the extrusion behavior that emerges from their physical interactions. From this new model, the team discovered that the more a cell is squeezed by its neighbors in a particular symmetric way, the more likely it is to get extruded from the group. [Caltech story]
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Lori Dajose
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![Model illustrating how cells exert pressure on one another, leading to extrusion.](https://divisions-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/eas70/Imported%20News%20Images/images/condensed_matter_cell_extrusion.max-1400x800.jpg)
Model illustrating how cells exert pressure on one another, leading to extrusion.
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Guruswami Ravichandran
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