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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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), 479, 20220470, January 11, 2023. [PDF]
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Reconstruction of distinct vertebrate gastrulation modes via modulation of key cell behaviors in the chick embryo.Manli Chuai, Guillermo Serrano Nájera, Mattia Serra, L  Mahadevan and Cornelis J. Weijer. Science Advances, 9(1), January 04, 2023. [PDF]
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An allometric prior enhances acoustic niche partitioning signal. Edvin Memet, Brian FarrellL. Mahadevan and Christoph A. Weber. The Royal Society Interface. Volume 19, Issue 197, December 14, 2022 . [PDF]
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Enhanced potency of aggregation inhibitors mediated by liquid condensates. Thomas C. T. Michaels, L. Mahadevan and Christoph A. Weber. Physical Review Research. Volume 4, ISSUE 4, December 08, 2022 . [PDF]
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