Introduction to Neuromechanics

Understanding the role of mechanics in brain development, physiology, and pathology. Mechanics of brain cells: neurons, mechanobiology, mechanotransduction. Mechanics of brain tissue: experimental testing, constitutive modeling, computational modeling. Mechanics of brain development: gyrification, cortical folding, axon elongation, lissencephaly, polymicrogyria. Mechanics of traumatic brain injury: high impact loading, neural injury. Mechanics of brain tumors, brain cancer, tumor growth, altered cytoskeletal mechanics. Mechanics of neurological disorders: autism, dementia, schizophrenia. Mechanics of brain surgery.