Fengzhu Xiong

Fengzhu Xiong is a Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute and affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. His research bridges Developmental Biology, Biophysics, and Engineering to explore how mechanical forces shape embryonic development.

• Focuses on Avian Embryos as a model system
• Developed Tissue Force Microscopy (TiFM) and Magnetic Nanorobotics for mechanical measurements
• Key themes: Systems Tissue Mechanics, Bilateral Symmetry, and Neural Tube Morphogenesis

His work combines Imaging, Mathematical Modeling, and Molecular Genetics to uncover fundamental rules of Morphogenesis, with applications in Birth Defects and Cancer Mechanics. Recent publications emphasize Tissue Deformability, Cell Density Regulation, and Lumen Pressure Modulation in shaping embryonic structures.

• Scientific Awards: Wellcome Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, Wellcome-Beit Prize, NIH Pathway to Independence Award
• Current Projects: Paraxial-axial tissue interactions, Fluid pressure effects on organ shape, Magnetic micro/nanorobotics in development

The lab maintains a Molecular Biology Workstation, Embryology Facilities, and Custom Mechanical Tools. Collaborations include Theoretical Biophysicists and Bioengineers to refine morphogenesis models.