Mechanobiology Institute Outreach

At MBI, cell biologists, physicists, computer scientists and bioengineers work side-by-side, using a wide array of methods and technologies to conduct their research. A major part of MBI’s mission is to communicate our research to the general public, promoting a greater understanding of this vibrant and emerging discipline.

Mechanobiology describes how physical factors, such as forces and mechanics, are able to influence biological systems at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level. The fundamental process which drives mechanobiology is mechanotransduction, the ability of cells to convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. For example, a cell can sense and respond to the three-dimensional physical properties of its environment. These parameters include matrix density, geometry, and substrate rigidity. After sensing these mechanical stimuli, the cell can convert them into biochemical signals which enables specific cellular responses such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

For Schools
For Media

For Schools

At the Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, cell biologists, physicists, computer scientists and bioengineers work side-by-side, using a wide array of methods and technologies to conduct their research.

The one thing all our researchers have in common – a desire to understand how mechanical forces are integrated into biological systems. In particular, understanding how physical forces or mechanical cues can drive the development of an embryo, direct the healing of a wound, or promote the development of cancer.

We welcome the opportunity to introduce high school, junior college or undergraduate students to this highly interdisciplinary and innovative field.

Singapore based schools or public groups, are invited to enquire about visiting the MBI laboratories.

Students from a local school attend a lab tour and lecture at MBI in 2015.

Students that visit MBI will hear from one of our researchers before touring the labs. During the tours, students will observe demonstrations on various techniques including super-resolution microscopy, microfabrication and microfluidics, tissue culture and basic cell biology techniques, and image analysis and data processing. Depending on your interests and the size of the group, we can also arrange for panel discussions or ‘hands-on’ lab activities.

We can also visit you. If your school is hosting a science camp or similar event and you would like one of our researchers to present an introduction to mechanobiology or interdisciplinary research, please enquire early.

Contact

For inquiries about visiting MBI or arranging for an MBI researcher to visit your event:

Andrew WONG

Facility Manager
mbiandr@nus.edu.sg

For Media

We encourage journalists and media professionals to feature the research of MBI in the local and international media.

MBI’s Science Communications core facility was established to promote the work of the MBI, and communicate, to a wide range of audiences, the latest research findings from the field of Mechanobiology. We welcome your inquiries.