Alladi Ramakrishnan Hall

Mechanics enhances synchronization in heterogeneous excitable media

Soling Zimik

IMSc Chennai

In a heterogeneous medium with oscillatory (O) and excitable (E) cells, varying the density of O cells and the strength of inter-cellular coupling result in a variety of spatiotemporal patterns, viz., clustered oscillations, waves, and synchronized oscillations. We observe that mechanical coupling between the cells promotes collective oscillations and synchronized states. Indeed, mechanical coupling can enhance synchronization even when cells have weak electrical coupling. Our results can help explain how the sino-atrial node (the natural pacemaker in the heart) generates signals that help coordinate the contractions of the heart.