Current Research

Our current research focuses on physical problems that occur in the context of molecular cell biology. We are particularly interested in lipid membranes and proteins and their mutual interactions, but we also work on a fair number of other related topics. Our main tools are computer simulations and analytical theory, and in both cases we try to devise simplified descriptions that capture the (presumed) essence of the physical situation while eliminating most of the (presumably) unnecessary detail.

Presently, a problem of considerable focus is membrane asymmetry—i.e., the question what happens when the two leaflets making up a lipid bilayer membrane differ in at least one important aspect.

Science notes

Notes on differential geometry

These notes are an attempt to summarize some of the key mathematical aspects of differential geometry, as they apply in particular to the geometry of two-dimensional surfaces embedded in three-dimensional Euclidean space. The focus is not on mathematical rigor but rather on collecting some bits and pieces of the very powerful machinery of manifolds and “post-Newtonian calculus”. Download the pdf here.

Notes on membrane theory

These notes offer a very brief primer on some essential theoretical concepts pertaining to lipid membrane physics. They cover a few aspects of lipid self assembly, elementary membrane elasticity, an introduction to the geometry of surface curvature, and the basics of Helfrich theory. These notes have been prepared for a summer school attended by both theorists and experimentalists, and they are purposefully kept at an introductory level.

Random Acts of Knowledge

Over time I have established a somewhat (but not completely) “random” collection of scientific notes on topics which I came across at some point. The idea was to preserve some essential insights in a semi-polished fashion, such as to be able to access it quickly and efficiently later. If you’re interested, you’re very welcome to rummage in my science-attic! In that case, please enter here!

Fun stuff

  • Paper model for folding your own CCMV virus [pdf]