Motility control in suspensions of swimming cells

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Motility control in suspensions of swimming cells

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 6th May 2013
  • Speaker: Vasily Kantsler (University of Cambridge)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

Interactions between swimming cells and surfaces are essential to many microbiological processes, from bacterial biofilm formation to human fertilization. However, despite their fundamental importance, relatively little is known about the physical mechanisms that govern the scattering of flagellated or ciliated cells from solid surfaces. In the talk I will reveal recent advances in understanding of flagella interaction with surfaces, provide mechanisms for utilizing our knowledge about these interactions to control swimming of flagellated cells. In addition, I will describe our very recent results on sperm rheotaxis near surfaces. The key focus will be on the experimental results, supported by numerical simulation using minimal models.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.