Because antigen recognition occurs at the junction between a migrating T cell and an antigen-presenting cell (APC), it is likely that cellular forces are generated and transmitted through T-cell receptor (TCR)-ligand bonds. T cells protect the body against pathogens and cancer by recognizing specific foreign peptides on the cell surface. Our recent data infers that a subset of integrin receptors applies >100 pN tensions, which is many fold greater than that of previously reported in literature, within focal adhesions of rat embryonic fibroblasts. We are interested in studying the interplay between mechanical forces and chemical signaling within integrins-mediated adhesions. Integrins are receptors that span the plasma membrane and anchor cells to the external environment. When a cell applies a specific pN forces to stretch the probe, the fluorophore is separated from the quencher, thus leading to an enhancement in signal (up to 100 fold enhancement). Probes are immobilized onto a substrate and present a biological ligand that engages the receptor of interest. Probes consist of a flexible linker (DNA, protein, polymer) flanked by a fluorophore and quencher. The design is fairly simple, and is akin to a macroscopic force gauge. We first reported these tension probes in Nature Methods in 2011. For example, stem cells have been shown to feel and respond to the stiffness of the underlying substrate by steering differentiation based on the mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment. There is intense interest in studying cellular mechanobiology for a broad range of motivations that span from fundamental developmental biology to cancer diagnostics. No doubt, that's a skill set Khalid seems to naturally have.Our lab developed molecular tension fluorescence microscopy which has the potential to transform the study of cell biology by developing the tools to visualize molecular forces with the speed, convenience, and precision of conventional fluorescence microscopy. Not only is that the power of music, but it's the power of an artist who is able to connect with listeners. Before I knew it, I had healed, and his song 'Angels' - which has a message of hope - became my go-to jam as I was finally brought out of my despondency. If I didn't know any better, I'd think 'Another Sad Love Song' and 'Saved' were somehow written just for me. It was truly astonishing how it felt like he understood everything I was going through. That album helped me get through a pretty rough time (and multiple crying sessions). One tune led to another, and soon enough I was solely listening to American Teen. So I did what I always do whenever I'm dealing with something: I played music nonstop. Things didn't work out in my favor, and I fell into a funk. Why? Well, I won't get into too many details, but I'll say it had something to do with a little thing called catching feelings (*shudders*). I vibed with it, but I hadn't really listened to any of his other songs.ДЇast forward to about eight months after American Teen dropped, and I suddenly found myself listening to the entire thing over and over again. I just remember hearing 'Location' being played everywhere shortly after its release. Unfortunately, that's not the case with Khalid. What I'm Listening to This Week: Tayla Parx, Khalid, and Pink Sweat$ДЄs a passionate music enthusiast, I'm usually able to remember when, where, and how I discover a new artist that I end up loving.