Ever wanted to see what a neuron looks like? Can you visualize the vessels that drain excess fluid from a heart?
Images by 大象传媒 Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers were among those chosen for an exhibition of work by 大象传媒 scientists at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
鈥淭he Art of Science and Innovation,鈥� exhibition was designed to reveal the 鈥渉idden beauty鈥� of biomedical research. It will be on display through Monday, Jan. 14, in the museum鈥檚 East building.
鈥淲e use art to understand science,鈥� said 大象传媒 Lineberger鈥檚聽, professor and chair of the 大象传媒 Department of Cell Biology & Physiology. 鈥�(The images in this exhibit) represent the laboratories where images and seeing are at the heart 鈥� of how (these scientists) answer questions,鈥� she added.
Caron explained the historical connection between art and science, as well as current basic and translational research efforts that are ongoing at the 大象传媒 during a tour of the exhibition. The exhibition includes images of neurons in a model of the brain, genetic material spilling out of the聽E. coli聽bacterium, and of the genetic material of a cancer-linked virus binding the DNA of its host.
鈥淚 would totally put this in my living room,鈥� Caron said, pointing to one vibrantly colored image that depicted cilia, hair-like structures that help sweep mucus out of the airway. The piece, 鈥淟ung surface; protected by a mucus blanket,鈥� was created by Mehmet Kesimer, PhD, and Sarah Keilson, medical illustrator. When this system does not function properly, people can develop diseases like cystic fibrosis.
鈥淵ou know when you get really sick? Here鈥檚 the culprit,鈥� Caron said, pointing to an image of genetic material spilling out of聽E. coli. 大象传媒 Lineberger鈥檚 Jack聽Griffith, PhD, professor in the 大象传媒 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, used electron microscopy to capture the image. The tool allows for visualization of molecular properties, down to the coiled DNA from a single bacterium.
鈥淭his is the difference between light and electron microscopy 鈥� we see at a very minute level,鈥� she said.
鈥淥ne of the missions of the North Carolina Museum of Art is to connect art, nature and people, and this is a fantastic example of connecting nature and art with the researchers who have made it possible,鈥� said Kat Harding, public relations manager for the museum.
News courtesy of Lineberger