We use experiments, theory and computation to study motion and matter at the human scale.  Areas of interest include the patterns of shape and flow of inanimate matter in systems ranging from the supramolecular to the planetary, and the dynamics of sentient matter that can self-organize, perceive and act in systems ranging from the sub-cellular to the super-organismal. Via answers to specific questions,  we aim to get at general principles, if there be such, and get a qualitative understanding using quantitative methods – Soft Math !

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Localization in musical steelpans Petur Bryde and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the Royal Society (A). Volume 479, Issue 2273, 17 May 2023. [PDF]
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Direct force measurement and loading on developing tissues in intact avian embryos. Chon U. Chan, Chon U. Chan, Arthur Michaut, Joana M. N. Vidigueira, Olivier Pourquie and L. Mahadevan, Development (2023). Volume 150, Issue 9 6 April 2023. [PDF]
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Explosive rigidity percolation in kirigami. Gary P.T. Choi, Lucy Liu and L. Mahadevan, Proceedings of the Royal Society (A). Volume 479, Issue 2271 20 February 2023. [PDF]
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Dynamics of cooperative excavation in ant and robot collectives. S Ganga Prasath, Souvik Mandal, Fabio Giardina, Jordan Kennedy, Venkatesh N Murthy, L. Mahadevan, eLife.  2022;11:e79638. Februrary 2, 2023 . [PDF]
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Combined measures of mimetic fidelity explain imperfect mimicry in a brood parasite–host system. Tanmay Dixit, Gary P. T. Choi, Salem al-Mosleh, Jess Lund, Jolyon Troscianko, Collins Moya, L. Mahadevan and Claire N. Spottiswood.  Biology Letters, 19, 20220538, February 15, 2023. [PDF]
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Rheomergy: collective behaviour mediated by active flow-based recruitment. Ganga Prasath and L. Mahadevan . Proceedings of the Royal Society (A), Volume 479,  Issue 2269, January 11, 2023. [PDF]
Abstract