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Updated: May 23, 2026
06:44
Age-dependent Dynamics of Locomotion in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Lyapunov Exponent Analysis
Published on: September 23, 2025
Non-Gaussianity and dynamical trapping in locally activated random walks
O Bénichou1, N Meunier, S Redner
1Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée, CNRS UMR 7600, case courrier 121, Université Paris 6, 4 Place Jussieu, FR-75255 Paris Cedex, France.
Summary
We developed a minimal model of diffusion where particle movement changes at the origin. This model explains how macrophage aggregation drives atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Macrophage accumulation of lipids is crucial in atherosclerotic plaque development.
- Understanding the dynamics of diffusing particles in biological systems is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a minimal model of locally activated diffusion.
- To investigate the consequences of localized mobility perturbations on diffusion dynamics.
- To provide a minimal mechanism for macrophage aggregation in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Modeling a one-dimensional Brownian particle with a modified diffusion coefficient upon origin crossing.
- Analyzing the effects of spatially localized mobility changes on diffusion at all scales.
- Observing the emergence of non-Gaussian, multipeaked probability distributions and dynamical transitions.
Main Results:
- Localized mobility perturbations lead to significant changes in diffusion behavior.
- A non-Gaussian, multipeaked probability distribution emerges.
- A dynamical transition to an absorbing static state is observed.
Conclusions:
- The minimal model demonstrates how local diffusion changes can drive complex emergent behaviors.
- The observed dynamical transition provides a mechanism for macrophage aggregation in lipid-rich areas.
- This model offers a simplified explanation for atherosclerotic plaque formation.
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