Transformative biomechanics and mechanobiology breakthroughs shaping the future of health and medicine

Public summary

* How mechanical cues drive health and disease across biological levels is comprehensively elucidated.

* Therapeutic applications of biomechanics and mechanobiology are extensively explored.

* Future directions of biomechanics and mechanobiology are outlined to steer next-generation studies.

* Our work helps bridge the translational gap between biomechanical research and clinical practice.

Abstract

The mechanical environments endured by the human body profoundly influence life activities across different scales, from single molecules to complicated systems. Gaining insight into the mechanical factors and their biological implications is crucial for deciphering physiological and pathological processes and advancing innovations in drug development and therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Recently, we have witnessed rapid advances in biomechanics and mechanobiology, which, however, are not fully recognized by the clinical community and effectively integrated into medical decision-making, highlighting a translational gap between mechano-based discovery and therapeutic application. Here, we first provide a comprehensive review of research progress in biomechanics and mechanobiology, focusing on key areas such as the cardiovascular system, bone and joints, ocular tissues, liver, lung, the craniomandibular system, cancer, and immunology. We demonstrate how mechanical cues drive health and disease across biological levels, offering insights into complex physiological and pathological mechanisms. Further, we explore the diverse applications of biomechanics and mechanobiology in disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Mechanical insights fuel medical innovations through advanced diagnostic tools, novel therapies, and effective rehabilitation protocols, enhancing clinical outcomes. Looking ahead, we outline future directions of biomechanics and mechanobiology, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration, artificial intelligence, model development, and extreme environments, which hold the promise to deepen scientific understanding and propel technological innovations. This review highlights the transformative potential of biomechanics and mechanobiology in driving scientific and clinical advancements and helps bridge the long-standing gap between biomechanical research and clinical practice.