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Ardem Patapoutian is interested in the ion channels and other cellular sensors that translate mechanical stimuli to chemical signals. These sensors are the basis of how we sense touch, pain, sound, and blood flow. Piezo cation channels discovered by Patapoutian and his team are expressed in mechanosensitive cell types, such as red blood cells and vascular endothelial cells, as well as in touch and proprioceptive neurons. The team aims to determine the roles of Piezos in these various scenarios and to find new sensors of mechanical force.