Biomechanics and Biophysics

The Physical Adaptations Underlying the Tardigrade’s Resistance to Extreme Environmental Conditions

Abstract Although tardigrades were discovered in the late 18th century, they have continued to captivate scientists due to their outstanding resistance to environmental conditions that are lethal to most organisms and that is necessary given their ecological distribution across various environments. Explanations as to the mechanisms underlying this superior resistance

Luccia Jabbour, Eden Karp-Foster, Jeremy Lachance, and Wadi Zahka

Mathematical Analysis of Amoebas

Abstract Despite lacking a conventional nervous system as in more complex organisms, amoebae of various kinds display signs of “intelligence” in their high adaptability to the environment and their problem-solving abilities, which have fascinated scientists for many years. In this essay, we discuss various examples of amoeboid intelligence, such as

Hailey Jukes, Adele Omichinski, Nicholas Da-Costa-Bastidas, and Gil Qin

Copepods Through the Lens of Physics

Abstract This research paper will present copepods from a physics approach while focusing on three key aspects. To begin, the low Reynolds number environment in which copepods reside makes them face entirely different challenges than larger organisms when it comes to the basics for survival like moving, eating, detecting, and

Johanna Turton, Melodi Rousset, Philippe Mercier, and Tanjin Sultana

Mechanics and Optics of Cyanobacteria: How to Survive over Billions of Years

Abstract This essay sheds light on a unique photoautotrophic prokaryote that presents a wide range of physical properties. Although billions of years old, cyanobacteria still ingeniously make use of their structural composition, mechanical processes, and optical properties to interact with their surroundings. With a strong gliding motility, a light sensing

Maria Delgopiatof, Max Bai, Sierra Bushey, and Valerie Syme

Discussion of Nature’s Design Solutions in Tintinnids: Masters of Microzooplankton Survival

Abstract In this essay, we explore tintinnids’ survival designs within the context of fundamental physics principles. Tintinnids employ diverse mechanisms to outmaneuver predators, locate prey, and safeguard themselves. To avoid predators, tintinnids utilize specific swimming patterns, attach to groups of particles, develop symbiotic relationships with diatoms, and have undergone morphological

Alexa Bailey, Lou Cubberly, Margaux-Blondin Routhier, and Niall Slack-Watkins

The Physics of Coral Polyps

Abstract Coral polyps have been studied from many scientific standpoints, but this paper will examine coral polyps from a physical standpoint. To begin, polyps were analyzed under the lens of kinetics, relating the specific movement of polyps to the benefits of this movement. Through their natural ability to manipulate water

Michael Beyrouthy, Cris Izzi, Claudio Petroni, Alex Tsiskakis

Magnetic Marvels: A Mathematical Exploration of Magnetotactic Bacteria

Abstract Order can be found within the seemingly complex, and perhaps even disordered, processes and shapes that constitute magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). This order can be explained by the concepts of mathematics. First and foremost, the crystalline structures within the magnetosomes of MTB can be modelled mathematically. Magnetite and greigite crystals

Alex Gagnon, Catriona Kirk, Jason Li, Sofian Martinais

Nature’s Nanomagnets: A Chemical Perspective on Magnetotactic Bacteria

Abstract Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are complex organisms that have evolved a multitude of internal chemical processes to survive their harsh environments. This paper discusses the details of important biological molecules, metabolic systems, and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the vital functions of MTB. Notably, biomineralization is a chemical, multi-step process

Alex Gagnon, Catriona Kirk, Jason Li, Sofian Martinais

A Physical Analysis of Magnetotactic Bacteria: Nature’s Microscopic Compass as a Solution to a Motile Biotope

Figure 1: Magnetotactic Bacteria (Perduca, 2016). Abstract Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are unique aquatic microaerophiles that can align and move in the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field. In this paper, the basic physical properties of magnetosomes, some mechanisms, such as magnetotaxis, and phototaxis, involved in the MTB’s motion, and the

Alex Gagnon, Catriona Kirk, Jason Li, Sofian Martinais

Physical Principles Governing the Movement of Dinoflagellates and The Implications for Their Interactions in Aquatic Ecosystems

Abstract Dinoflagellates are unicellular eukaryotic cells. There are around 2400 known species of dinoflagellates. This phylum is very diverse; among different species, we observe several unique characteristics of behavior and morphology. All dinoflagellates, however, have two flagella. These flagella allow them to swim in a unique and interesting manner. A

Thalia Azadian, Arda Barlas, Sophia Chen, Simon Girard

Mathematical Models of Diatoms: Understanding Their Complex Shape, Reproduction and Chain Formation

Abstract Apart from physical and chemical solutions used by the diatom for survival, some features of the unicellular microalgae also could be described in mathematics. For instance, the diatom morphology reveals a striking alignment with the golden ratio and fractal geometry. By examining the silica shells of these unicellular algae,

Peter Matthews-Crochetiere, Daniel Ibrahim, Wenan Liao, Cedric Mackay

Life-Sustaining Processes of the Diatom

Abstract The chemical reactions, processes, and mechanisms that occur inside diatoms are key to their ability to survive and dominate the world of microalgae. Through photosynthesis, the diatom can absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide and then convert them into oxygen and glucose with the help of chlorophyll, which is a

Peter Matthews-Crochetiere, Daniel Ibrahim, Wenan Liao, Cedric Mackay