Deciphering the Ocean’s Depths

The deepest fathoms of the ocean are dark, cold, and under immense pressure. Yet, despite these harsh conditions, complex organisms like fish and crustaceans not only survive but thrive.

Understanding how those organisms have evolved to withstand their environment could be the key that allows humans to explore the depths more easily. Pitt researchers are joining an interdisciplinary team led by the Georgia Institute of Technology to tackle these unknowns. 

“This environment on our own planet is as odd to us as conditions on Mars or the moons of Saturn,” says Lance Davidson, William Kepler Whiteford Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Pitt, who joined this project with Anna Balazs, the John A. Swanson Chair of Engineering and Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.

While Davidson’s work primarily examines the biological and mechanical properties of cells and developing embryos, Balazs’ research looks at the effects of chemistry on cell mechanics, and vice versa. Together, the team combines expertise in marine biology, biomimetic materials, chemistry, hydrogel synthesis, biohybrid material fabrication, and the design, mechanics, and dynamics of architected structures.