The Interplay of Polar and Nematic Order in Active Matter: Implications for Non-Equilibrium Physics and Biology

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Main Authors: Venkatesh, Varun, Sousa, Niels de Graaf, Doostmohammadi, Amin
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Venkatesh, Varun
Sousa, Niels de Graaf
Doostmohammadi, Amin
author_facet Venkatesh, Varun
Sousa, Niels de Graaf
Doostmohammadi, Amin
contents Active matter has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of non-equilibrium systems, leading to a fundamental shift in the study of biophysical phenomena. The foundation of active matter research is built on assumptions regarding the symmetry of microscopic constituents. While these assumptions have been validated extensively, instances of mixed or joint symmetries are prevalent in biological systems. This review explores the coexistence of polar and nematic order in active matter, emphasizing the theoretical and experimental challenges associated with these systems. By integrating insights from recent studies, we highlight the importance of considering mixed symmetries to accurately describe biological processes. This exploration not only benefits the field of biology but could also open new horizons for non-equilibrium physics, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding complex behavior in active matter.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2506_05931
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle The Interplay of Polar and Nematic Order in Active Matter: Implications for Non-Equilibrium Physics and Biology
Venkatesh, Varun
Sousa, Niels de Graaf
Doostmohammadi, Amin
Soft Condensed Matter
Active matter has played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of non-equilibrium systems, leading to a fundamental shift in the study of biophysical phenomena. The foundation of active matter research is built on assumptions regarding the symmetry of microscopic constituents. While these assumptions have been validated extensively, instances of mixed or joint symmetries are prevalent in biological systems. This review explores the coexistence of polar and nematic order in active matter, emphasizing the theoretical and experimental challenges associated with these systems. By integrating insights from recent studies, we highlight the importance of considering mixed symmetries to accurately describe biological processes. This exploration not only benefits the field of biology but could also open new horizons for non-equilibrium physics, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding complex behavior in active matter.
title The Interplay of Polar and Nematic Order in Active Matter: Implications for Non-Equilibrium Physics and Biology
topic Soft Condensed Matter
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.05931