Biomechanics approaches to studying human diseases

Abstract

Nanobiomechanics has recently been identified as an emerging field that can potentially make significant contributions in the study of human diseases. Research into biomechanics at the cellular and molecular levels of some human diseases has not only led to a better elucidation of the mechanisms behind disease progression, because diseased cells differ physically from healthy ones, but has also provided important knowledge in the fight against these diseases. This article highlights some of the cell and molecular biomechanics research carried out on human diseases such as malaria, sickle cell anemia and cancer and aims to provide further important insights into the pathophysiology of such diseases. It is hoped that this can lead to new methods of early detection, diagnosis and treatment.