Lab-on-a-chip devices to explore biophysical consequences in cellular ageing

"The project will focus on developing new techniques for measuring the mechanical properties and responses of living cells using microfluidics, microfabrication and live cell imaging. The focus of the investigation will be on the changing packaging of the DNA within the cell's nucleus, which undergoes several transitions which are linked to ageing.
It is hypothesized that the changes in the packing of DNA results in changes to the mechanical properties of the nucleus and cell, as well as changes to the cell's ability to resist physical stress. Investigation of these effects will lead to deeper understanding of the physical changes present in ageing."