Dr. Navajit S. Baban, Ph.D.

How lizards balance keeping their tails on and peeling them off?

A YouTube Video by Science Magazine: To escape predators, some lizards detach their tails, which helps with balance and movement. Scientists have long wondered how this happens easily without damaging the tail. Previous studies showed the tail vertebrae have muscles that fit like plugs and sockets, with conical “plugs” covered in microscopic bumps. In a new study, researchers found the sockets had small indents, not secure notches. The bumps had nanopores, and fake tails with nanopore patches were harder to pry apart. Small cracks from the pores allowed flexible movement without detaching prematurely. Lizards activate detachment by bending their tails sideways. High-speed video showed bending at an angle, not pulling straight back, made detachment easier. Missing tails regrow as cartilage stumps within weeks.

Solved: Mystery of the Lizard Tail!

A YouTube Video by NYUAD: Researchers present the first-ever biophysical model of lizard tail autonomy. In a new study published in the journal Science, a team of researchers led by NYUAD Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering Yong-Ak (Rafael) Song and his Ph.D. student Dr. Navajit Singh Baban, presents the first-ever rigorous biophysical model of lizard tail autonomy

How Lizards Lose Their Tails! Experts find out how lizards drop their tails when in danger.

News-O-Matic Article: Dr. Navajit Singh et al. discovered that lizard tail detachment is aided by nanopores on microscopic bumps, allowing flexible movement without premature detachment. They found bending the tail sideways, not straight back, triggers detachment.

Global Media Coverage of Lizard Tail Autotomy Research: Featured in The NY Times, Independent, and 22+ Outlets Worldwide

Media Coverage:

“The Paradox of the Lizard Tail, Solved,” (The New York Times, by Jack Tamisiea, 2023), Link.
“Study finds how lizard tails are sturdy at regular times but detach easily when needed,” (Independent, UK Edition, by Vishwam Sankaran, 2023), Link.

Perspective Articles and Commentary:

Ghatak, Animangsu. “How does a lizard shed its tail?” Science 375.6582 (2022): 721-722. Link.
Simha, K. R. Y. “Decoding lizard tail autotomy: Autonomous or actuated?” Journal of Biosciences 47.2 (2022): 1-3. Link.
Carmichael, Stephen W. “Microscopy Reveals How a Lizard Can Lose its Tail.” Microscopy Today 30.4 (2022): 8-9. Link.
Guiqing Pan and Bin Li. “A dynamic biointerface controls mussel adhesion.” Science Pan, Guoqing, and Bin Li. “A dynamic biointerface controls mussel adhesion.” Science 382.6672 (2023): 763-764. Link.

Early Engineers Research Forum (EERF)-NYUAD Talk on: Biomimetic Fracture Model of Lizard Tail Autotomy

I gave a talk “Biomimetic Fracture Model of Lizard Tail Autotomy,” at the Early Engineers Research Forum (EERF), Feb’22, at New York University Abu Dhabi. Many thanks to the EERF organizers and Prof. Mohammad Qasaimeh (Chair, Engineering IDBE) for providing a platform where researchers can present, share ideas, receive feedback, and connect with fellow researchers.

Biochip Hackathon and Workshop_V1

We conducted the first-ever Workshop and Hackathon on the Security of Microfluidic Biochip Cyberphysical Systems at New York University Abu Dhabi on October 1, 2022. The 24-hour hackathon was part of this event, dedicated to microfluidic biochips used for COVID-19 diagnostics. Aimed at spreading awareness among UAE students about biochip security and trustworthy diagnostics, the event provided hands-on experience with biochips, such as the Fluidigm 192.24 IFC Biochip and Biomark HD tools.

Postdoc Collaborative Trip to NY

I received a postdoc collaborative grant from NYUAD, which included a 3-week residency at NYU New York campuses. This trip focused on interdisciplinary research spanning engineering, biotechnology, cybersecurity, urban networks, and social research. It provided a dynamic environment for professional growth, including professional development and social activities.

CCS-NYUAD SEMINAR TALK

Delivered a talk at NYU Abu Dhabi hosted by Center for Cybersecurity (CCS)-NYUAD, on Feb 23rd, 2023, Seminar series, focusing on the cyber-physical security of flow-based microfluidic biochips (FMBs) in the context of global pandemics.

Department Speaker: Research and Industrial Conclave Integration IITG'23

Delivered a talk on “Biomimetic Fracture Model of Lizard Tail Autotomy” at the Research and Industrial Conclave at IIT Guwahati on May 23rd, 2023. My thanks to IIT Guwahati and Prof. Sukanta Bhattacharjee for the invitation.

A Talk at City College of New York (CCNY)

In July 2023, I presented a talk on cyber-physical security in microfluidic biochips at The City College of New York (CCNY) hosted by Prof. Samah S. Saeed. I extend my deepest thanks to the host and my mentor, Prof. Ramesh Karri, for his steadfast support and guidance.

A Talk at ICDAMMI Conference, Jaipur, India: Material-level Cyber-physical Vulnerabilities in Microfluidic Biochips

Delivered a talk on material-level cyber-physical vulnerabilities in microfluidic biochips at the International Conference on Digitization and Advancements in Materials and Metallurgical Industries (ICDAMMI) in Jaipur on 20th Aug 2023.

A Talk at IIT KGP on Cyber-physical Security for Microfluidic Biochips

Delivered a departmental talk at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, on cyber-physical security for microfluidic biochips. The discussion highlighted advancements in Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) to enhance biochip security. Many thanks to the hosts: Prof. Debdeep Mukhopadhyay, Prof. Suman Chakraborty, and Dr. Sarani Bhattacharya.

A News Article by ASU News: Putting medical tests to the test

Our cover page article in the Lab-on-a-Chip publication, in collaboration with ASU’s Fulton Professor of Microelectronics, Krishnendu Chakrabarty, highlights groundbreaking work in enhancing the security of lab-on-a-chip medical tests. The research introduces innovative watermark technologies. These include a dye integrated into the microvalves and a mechanical test to verify the authenticity of chip materials.

CCS-NYU Cyberbyte Highlights Lab-on-a-Chip Cover Feature and Celebrates Postdoc Collaborative Grant Success

Our research enhancing the security of lab-on-a-chip medical tests was recently featured in the NYU Center for Cybersecurity article (Cyberbyte), which also celebrated the success of our postdoc collaborative grant. The article detailed our introduction of innovative watermark technologies, such as integrated dye in microvalves and mechanical authenticity tests for biochip materials.

IEEE International Test Conference 2023 (ITC'23) Talk

Delivered at the International Test Conference held in Anaheim, California, Oct, 2023. My presentation focused on the vital role of Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) in securing microfluidic biochips, which are crucial in medical diagnostics and vulnerable to various security threats. We introduced the Bio-PUF, an innovative device-level PUF authentication scheme designed specifically for biochip security.

International Computational Science and Engineering Conference (ICSEC'23) Talk

Presented a talk at the Fourth International Computational Science and Engineering Conference (ICSEC) 2023 in Doha, Qatar. Drawing inspiration from the natural structures of lizards, lemons, and skin, my presentation provided insights into innovative physics-based computational approaches in fracture and adhesion mechanics.

Workshop and Hackathon: BioHack3D-CSAW 2023

We organized BioHack3D, a pioneering workshop and hackathon hosted at New York University Abu Dhabi, focusing on the cyber-physical security of biochips and 3D printing systems. This event, a collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi’s Bioengineering Program and Advanced Manufacturing Workshop, addressed the critical 3D printing-based security needs of biochips—devices essential in diagnostics and biomedical research.