[Young Researchers Only]: Tuning the echanics of fibrous tissues with​ optogenetics​. || Acoustics of single-reed instruments and the mechanical characterization of reeds​. - Thibault BRAM DIT SAINT AMAND - (PhD, Microtiss) || Camille URBAN- (PhD, MOVE)​

Tuning the echanics of fibrous tissues with​ optogenetics​.

Thibault BRAM DIT SAINT AMAND - (PhD, Microtiss)

In connective tissues, mechanical signals play a key role in the regulation of biological processes. Fibroblasts, a type of contracting cells, can induce such signals, deforming and remodeling over long distances the extracellular matrix (ECM) allowing large-scale reorganization. ​

In this project, we investigate the interactions between tissue contractility and its ECM to understand physiological mechanisms such as wound healing, but also pathological mechanisms such as fibrosis. ​

Our approach involves the use of optogenetics, a technique allowing dynamic modulation of tissue forces with great spatiotemporal resolution. With light stimulation, we managed to train fibrous tissues during their self-assembly and tune their mechanics.​

Acoustics of single-reed instruments and the mechanical characterization of reeds​.

Camille URBAN - (PhD, MOVE)​

The reed is a thin piece of carved cane essential to sound production in single-reed instruments, such as the clarinet or the saxophone. It plays a crucial role in both sound quality and musician's playing comfort. However, even when reeds are sold as 'identical' by manufacturers, musicians often find significant differences between them.     ​

This work aims to understand this phenomenon by identifying physical parameters that define and explain reed quality. In this presentation, I will introduce you to the acoustics of the clarinet and share my work from a previous internship focused on the mechanical characterization of reeds.​​