Characterization of convergent thickening, a major convergence force producing morphogenic movement in amphibians

A CellScale MicroSquisher parallel-plate compression tensiometer was used to apply controlled compression between two plates and quantify tissue surface tension based on the explant/aggregate geometry after a defined stress-relaxation period (3 minutes) and the measured applied force. The MicroSquisher (with SquisherJoy software) enabled extraction of the post-relaxation ellipsoid profile needed to compute surface tension, providing a direct, quantitative readout of tissue mechanical/physical properties that supported the study’s conclusions about changes in tissue interfacial mechanics during development.