Keiji Naruse is renowned for this research on ‘mechanobiology’—a term that he created to describe and visualize his work that integrates the mechanics of human tissue. “My interest in the mechanical aspects of the body began as a medical student,” says Naruse. “I recall asking a lecturer about why cells and tissues expand and contract and being told to ‘find out for yourself’. So that was the beginning of my research on ‘mechanobiology’.”