1️⃣ For a long time, we have known that mechanical stretching influences how cells behave. But in this PNAS paper, we show that fibroblasts do not just respond to stretch—they remember it.

2️⃣ What we know:

Fibroblasts adjust their behavior in response to mechanical forces. But what happens when those forces are removed?

3️⃣ Our discovery:

Fibroblasts in 3D tissues subjected to static mechanical stretching for extended periods retain a memory of the stretch—remaining activated long after the strain is gone.

4️⃣ Why does this matter?

In skin grafting for burns and chronic wounds, grafts are mechanically stretched before transplantation. How they are stretched determines whether they heal properly or lead to scarring and graft failure.

5️⃣ The opportunity:

By controlling mechanical conditions, we can optimize fibroblast memory, leading to better graft integration, less scarring, and improved wound healing.