Ethological dynamics in diorama environments

We attempt to provoke primitive intelligence in cells by dynamically deforming a diorama environment. We target cells cultured on an elastic membrane. As a dynamic deformation, we employ a 'rotating strain field,' that is similar to the deformation occurring on the cross-section of a clay rod when kneading a thick one into a thin one. We have already developed a mechanism which can apply such deformation to the elastic membrane. Unlike cyclic stretch, a rotating strain field can exert mechanical stimuli of rotation. Therefore, it holds the potential to tighten or loosen the twisting of objects possessing helical or spiral structures, such as DNA or proteins, potentially eliciting entirely new responses within cells. In this study, we load the rotating strain field onto mesenchymal cells and epithelial cells of animal origin, investigating changes in their morphology, migration, gene expression, and other factors. We also observe the influence on cellular chirality, which has recently gained attention. By examining the cellular responses induced in the diorama environment by the rotating strain field, we aim to discuss whether these responses can be considered to be primitive intelligence.