Emmy-Noether Group - BRAIn MechaNIcs ACross Scales
BRAINIACS
Figure 1: Methodological approach of the BRAINIACS project: closely linking experiments, modeling, and simulation.
Brain tissue is not only one of the most important but also the most complex and compliant tissue in the human body. While long underestimated, increasing evidence confirms that mechanics plays a critical role in modulating brain function and dysfunction. The Emmy-Noether research group BRAINIACS – BRAIn mechaNIcs ACross Scales – aims to establish novel computational tools based on nonlinear continuum mechanics that can facilitate early diagnostics of neurological diseases and advance modern treatment strategies. We bridge the scales from known biological processes on the cellular scale to macroscopic pathologies apparent through modern imaging techniques.
To achieve this goal, our group combines experimental and microstructural analyses with continuum scale modeling and simulation. Performing experiments hand in hand with modeling and simulation allows us to continually optimize both experimental and numerical procedures. Through the simultaneous investigation of mechanics and microstructure, we aim to not only understand the regional variations in brain structure and function, but also to quantify the adaptation of cells to changes in their mechanical environment.
Solved within a finite element framework, those models will help us to foresee the behavior of brain tissue under physiological and pathological conditions, and to simulate progression of disease or mechanically-induced loss of brain function.
As part of the graduate program, the EBM researchers had the opportunity to gain hands on experience on the autopsy of the human brain. The workshop was hosted by the department of neuropathology of the university hospitals Erlangen and consisted of two parts, the first one being an online introduct...
The monthly Doctoral Researcher Seminar was held on the 20th of July, with Sonja Kuth (X03) taking on the role of the host. The seminar proved to be an insightful and engaging event, with a focus on engineering hydrogels to mimic brain-tissue-like matrices. The presentation not only shed light on X0...
An interdisciplinary training workshop has brought together EBM researchers from different disciplines at the Institute of Anatomy to explore the mysteries of the human brain, with a special focus on the intricate anatomy of the spinal cord. Led by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kürten from the Neuroanatomy Dep...
In the old tradition, on July 17, we celebrated the end of the semester and a quite successful first half of the year through our annual beergarden visit. There have been many new exciting developments, not least the founding of our new Institute of Continuum Mechanics and Biomechanics at the Depart...
From July 9-12, the 28th Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB2023) was held in Maastricht, Netherlands. The conference endorsed the importance of the integration of mechanistic experimental and computational biomechanics with upcoming data-driven modeling. The conference venue (MECC...
