Exploring Brain Mechanics
The central nervous system (CNS) is our most complex organ system. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of the biochemical, electrical, and genetic regulation of CNS functioning and malfunctioning, many fundamental processes and diseases are still not fully understood. Only recently, groups of several PLs in this consortium, and a few other groups worldwide, have discovered an important contribution of mechanical signals to regulating CNS cell function. The CRC 1540 ‘Exploring Brain Mechanics’ will synergize the expertise of engineers, physicists, biologists, medical researchers, and clinicians in Erlangen and Berlin to exploit mechanics-based approaches to advance our understanding of CNS function and, as a long-term vision, to provide the foundation for future improvement of diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
„This exciting, multidisciplinary Collaborative Research Center on brain mechanics was launched at the right time to better understand the relationship between molecules, cells and tissue with brain function and disease. I am pleased to be able to contribute to the development of brain mechanics as a Mercator Fellow in the Collaborative Research Center CRC 1540 EBM.“
Gerhard A. Holzapfel (Mercator Fellow)
„This CRC 1540 Exploring Brain Mechanics addresses a significant and very timely challenge, the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders, by bringing together world leading engineers, physicists, biologists, medical researchers, and clinicians. I am thrilled to be part of this team and explore the role of mechanical forces in the central nervous system as a Mercator Fellow.“
Ellen Kuhl (Mercator Fellow)
On November 13, an interdisciplinary workshop on neuroimaging was organized by Prof. Arnd Dörfler and PD Stefan Rampp. The program featured an introduction to clinical neuroimaging, advanced imaging techniques, and a hands-on session where participants analyzed epilepsy cases, progressing from simple to highly complex scenarios.
The 2nd EBM Retreat took place on October 10 and 11, 2024, at the Fraunhofer Research Campus in Waischenfeld, nestled in the beautiful Franconian Switzerland. This retreat offered an excellent opportunity for researchers to present their work, engage in networking, and collaboratively explore new ideas.
On October 10, 2024, Daniel Wehner was honored with the prestigious Rising Star Award by the International Society for Regenerative Biology (ISRB). This award recognizes emerging scientists who are pioneering new approaches in the field of regenerative biology and whose research has made a lasting impact.
On October 8, 2024, the latest (post-)doctoral researchers' seminar was held at the Leuchs-Russell Auditorium, located in the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light. The seminar featured presentations by Oskar Neumann (Project B01: In silico Modeling of Spinal Cord Regeneration) and Maria Tarczewska (Project B02: Pre- and Post-Metamorphosis Spinal Cord Regeneration in Frogs).
On September 21, 2024, the event "Das Gehirn – Musikalische Erkundungen" at Matthäuskirche Erlangen merged science and organ music into a unique audiovisual experience. Organized by the CRC 1540 "Exploring Brain Mechanics" (EBM) with KMD Susanne Hartwich-Düfel and ITM media studios at FAU, it explored the brain’s world.
