Biophysical Journal

Cell membranes in our body relies on membrane viscosity to transport membranes and carry-out cellular functions. But measuring this viscosity has been notoriously difficult, with scientists often relying on model membranes. Now, a collaborative research team has developed a new method to directly measure the viscosity of living cell membranes directly.

Researchers at Kanazawa University report in the Biophysical Journal that the process of cell removal from an epithelial layer follows from an inherent mechanical instability. Moreover, the forces generated by an extruding cell can drive the extrusion of other cells in a particular direction.