Neuron mechanics

How do the different parts of a neuron respond to mechanical stimuli such as those occurring during subtraumatic forces? In an interdisciplinary effort with the Fussenegger group at D-BSSE and the Roska group from the Institute of Ophthalmology (IOB) of the University Basel, we investigated the mechanosensitivity of neurons from the rat brain. The findings may guide future studies to mechanically control neurons by, for example, electromagnetic forces or ultrasound.