Michaels Group
Theoretical Biological Physics Lab
Soft and Living Matter Physics
We use ideas from theoretical physics, control theory and computational biology, in close collaboration with experimentalists, to develop a quantitative understanding of complex systems in biology. Most of our current research seeks to understand how functional and pathological biomolecular aggregation processes are regulated in time and in space in living systems. Current projects include understanding how liquid organelles act as control units that regulate biochemistry inside living cells and modelling the pathological aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils, a process involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Our theoretical work in this area provides a basis for the rational design of potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegeneration.
Protein Aggregation
Liquid Phase Separation
Membrane Biophysics
Ageing and Cancer
A Chakrabarti*, TCT Michaels* et al (2021). The cusp of an apple. Nat. Phys. 17, 1125 (* equal contribution). doi:external page 10.1038/s41567-021-01335-8
TCT Michaels, et al (2020). Dynamics of oligomer populations formed during the aggregation of Alzheimer’s Aβ42 peptide. Nat. Chem. 12, 497. doi:external page 10.1038/s41557-020-0452-1
TCT Michaels, et al (2020). Thermodynamic and kinetic principles for amyloid-aggregation inhibitors. PNAS 117, 24251. doi:external page 10.1073/pnas.2006684117
E Sun*, TCT Michaels* et al (2020). Optimal control of aging in complex networks. PNAS 117, 20404 (* equal contribution). doi:external page 10.1073/pnas.2006375117
TCT Michaels, et al (2019). Optimal control strategies for inhibition of protein aggregation. PNAS 116, 14593. doi:external page 10.1073/pnas.1904090116
NEW COURSE!!! Cellular Matters: from Milestones to Open Questions
The BML PIs will offer a new course on BML topics at the Master/PhD level starting Fall 2022.
Theoretical Biophysics
Soft Matter Physics
Computational Biology
Control Theory
Applied Mathematics
Thomas on the Radio
Thomas has recently appeared on the radio to discuss the physics of food on RSI's Pulce nell’orecchio and the physics of aging on Il giardino di Albert. There are links to have a listen for yourself:
Inaugural Lecture: Soft and living matter physics
Tomorrow (Thursday 11 May 2023) Thomas will be giving his inaugural lecture alongside another new professor at the IBC, Tatjana Kleele. The lecture will start at 17:15 in HG F 30 (Audimax) and will be followed by an apero!
New PhD Student: Logan de Monchaux-Irons
Today we welcome Logan de Monchaux-Irons as a PhD student, he previously worked in the Michaels group as a masters student at UCL. Logan is in the LSZGS Systems Biology program and will be researching the physics of biocondensates.
Thomas Michaels appointed Assistant Professor of Soft and Living Matter Physics!
Thomas will join IBC and BML starting October 1st 2022. Thomas’ research explores complex systems theory in biology using control theory, soft matter physics and computational biology. He has wide-ranging teaching experience and is particularly well-known for his books on mathematical topics.