PNAS Nexus · 25 October 2026 · From issue 57
Learning epithelial elasticity via local tension remodeling
In a tissue simulation, repeated squeezing trained cells to remember past forces and change future behavior.
Sadjad Arzash, Shiladitya Banerjee.
A computer model of tissue, built from many connected cells, can act like it learns from being pushed and pulled. Each cell changes how hard it grips its neighbors based on past forces. This creates a kind of memory. That memory can even train the whole sheet to stretch sideways instead of squeezing, when pulled.
Shows a model tissue can be trained into an unusual stretching behavior through repeated mechanical cycles, not built-in design.
Computer model only, no living tissue tested yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 30 October 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (PNAS Nexus). Read the source
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