Crystal archive print

MCell simulation of synaptic transmission in chick ciliary ganglion synapse

Communication between neurons in the brain occurs at synapses – specialized points of contact where one neuron sends a chemical signal to its neighbor. This image shows a moment, frozen in time, during a realistic computer simulation of neurotransmission in a chick ciliary ganglion synapse. This synapse is involved in a neural circuit in the chick brain that controls the pupil of the eye.  The ciliary ganglion synapse is a highly specialized region of neural cell membrane and is composed of numerous individual spine formations which are matted together like the fibers of a shag carpet.

The 3D structure of the synapse was obtained from nano-scale resolution electron microscope tomography of chick brain tissue. The function of this synaptic structure was then simulated in a computer using MCell -- software for simulation of cellular biochemistry.  Yellow spheres represent synaptic vesicles (~50 nm in diameter) containing ~10000 molecules of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh).  Green ovoids represent ACh molecules released from three separate vesicles to signal a neighboring neuron whose postsynaptic cell membrane is shown in light blue. After release, ACh molecules move by the process of diffusion and bind to two types of receptor molecules called alpha-7- and alpha-3*- nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), shown as translucent blue diamonds and red spheres, respectively.  The receptors are proteins embedded in the postsynaptic membrane.  The opacity of nAChR color shown corresponds to the level of ACh binding and subsequent nAChR activation (fully opaque = fully activated receptor).  Three separate vesicle releases are shown here at different points in time after release -- 5 microseconds for the upper left release site, 100 microseconds for the upper right release site, and 200 microseconds for the lower release site.  If enough receptors are activated by the neurotransmitter a further cascade of events is triggered resulting in the postsynaptic cell passing along a signal to its neighbors in the neural circuit.

A version of this image appears in the book, “Portraits of the Mind”, by Carl Schoonover, 2010.

For more information on the research behind this image see:

Coggan, J. S., Bartol, T. M., Esquenazi, E., Stiles, J. R., Lamont, S.,

Martone, M. E., Berg, D. K., Ellisman, M. H., and Sejnowski, T. J. (2005).

Evidence for ectopic neurotransmission at a neuronal synapse, Science, 39, 446-451.

Please contact Tom Bartol for information on usage and permissions.

Crystal archive print

MCell simulation of synaptic transmission in the brain.

Information processing in the brain involves the transfer of chemical signals from one brain cell, or neuron, to another at tiny points of contact between the two neurons, called synapses.  The chemical signal transmitted at synapses is composed of molecules called neurotransmitters.  Understanding synaptic signaling is important because the strength of the signaling is modified during learning and memory formation and most mental diseases are rooted in malfunction of synapses.

This scientific visualization shows a computer model of a tiny portion of brain tissue (about 1/20th the width of a human hair) from the hippocampus of a rat. The model, four years in the making, was created by digitizing the structure of brain tissue as seen through an electron microscope.  The computer model was then used in computer simulations, using software called MCell, to track the biochemical processes that occur during synaptic communication. The microscopic structure of brain tissue forms an extremely intricate tangle of axons, dendrites, and glial cells. So, in this view most of the structure has been made invisible to reveal the axons of two neurons (shown in light gray) communicating with the dendrite of a third neuron (shown in blue).  An astrocytic glial cell (shown in light turquoise) wraps its delicate tendrils throughout the structure.  The image is a snapshot in time during a computer simulation of synaptic communication.  Neurotransmitter molecules (shown as small yellow particles) are released by the axon at the synapse.  The neurotransmitter molecules then trigger the activation of receptor molecules on the dendritic side of the synaptic contact.  The receptor molecules cannot be seen here as they are hidden in the narrow cleft space formed by the synaptic contact between the axon and dendrite.  But the neurotransmitter can been seen, seeming to explode from the synaptic cleft.  This snapshot was taken just 20 microseconds after release.  The neurotransmitter molecules move by the process of diffusion, quickly activating receptors on the dendrite, and then leak from the synaptic cleft into the surrounding space where they encounter re-uptake transporter molecules (not shown) located on the surface of the astrocytic glial cell, terminating the signal.

This image accompanies the article, "Signals in a Storm", by Carl Schoonover in Scientific American, March 2011.  The image is based on research by Tom Bartol, Justin Kinney, Dan Keller, Chandra Bajaj, Mary Kennedy, Joel Stiles, Kristen Harris, and Terry Sejnowski.

Please contact Tom Bartol for information on usage and permissions.

Watercolor and ink on paper

This painting depicts a coronavirus just entering the lungs, surrounded by mucus secreted by respiratory cells, secreted antibodies, and several small immune systems proteins. The virus is enclosed by a membrane that includes the S (spike) protein, which will mediate attachment and entry into cells, M (membrane) protein, which is involved in organization of the nucleoprotein inside, and E (envelope) protein, which is a membrane channel involved in budding of the virus and may be incorporated into the virion during that process. The nucleoprotein inside includes many copies of the N (nucleocapsid) protein bound to the genomic RNA.

Freely available for use under a CC-BY-4.0 license. For more information, visit PDB-101 at the RCSB Protein Data Bank.

Watercolor and ink on paper

This painting is part of “VAX,” a series of paintings exploring the molecular basis of vaccines. These paintings are designed to be accurate representations of the biological processes, but they also serve as a personal celebration of a miracle of modern medicine. The painting shows aggregation of poliovirus by antibodies in a vaccinated person, neutralizing the virus and preventing infection.

Freely available for use under a CC-BY-4.0 license. For more information, visit PDB-101 at the RCSB Protein Data Bank.

Watercolor and ink on paper

Genetically-engineered phage particles displaying a defined epitope of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can elicit a systemic immune response. Candidate epitopes may be assessed through various genetic and structural studies to determine feasibility as a universal epitope for protection against existing and emerging viral variants. In this artistic depiction, created in collaboration with Christopher Markosian and Daniela Staquicini, phage particles (pale blue) display multiple copies of the spike protein-derived C662–C671 epitope (pink), which elicit the generation of antibodies (yellow) immunoreactive against spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 is shown at bottom right in magenta and purple.

Freely available for use under a CC-BY-4.0 license. For more information, visit PDB-101 at the RCSB Protein Data Bank.

Oil

“Lazy River” is the first piece in a narrative cycle titled “Cat Apocalypse,” created during the worldwide health mayhem of the Covid pandemic and also fueled by the political unrest during that period. In this first illustration, our avatar cats are floating comfortably in their corpuscle beds, doing what cats do. Likewise, we humans were just living our lives, and then, suddenly, life as we knew it came to a grinding halt.

Please contact Shelby Marzoni for information concerning usage and permissions.

Oil

“Rewiring” is the penultimate illustration in the “Cat Apocalypse” saga. The worst of the disaster is past, and three intrepid cats set about to rewire our collective trauma and hatred into a renewed state of peace, joy, and gratitude.

Please contact Shelby Marzoni for information concerning usage and permissions.

Acrylic print of pencil drawing overlaid with microscopy image

In the final step of cell division, the bridge connecting the cells is cut in a process called cytokinetic abscission, giving rise to two separate daughter cells. This hand-drawn illustration is overlaid with real microscopy images of a human cell, with the blue DNA carrying the genetic information and the green microtubules giving shape to the cell – a combination that quite literally fuses science and art.

Please contact Beata Mierzwa for information on usage and permissions.

Acrylic print of digitally colored pencil drawing

The eukaryotic cell contains a large diversity of intricate structures and organelles that can be captured by electron microscopy. While this method enables scientists to observe cellular structures in great detail, only tiny fractions of the cell can be observed at such high magnifications. Inspired by these images, this drawing combines these intracellular snapshots into an entire cell, highlighting the beautiful complexity of the microscopic world.

Please contact Beata Mierzwa for information on usage and permissions.

Acrylic print of digitally colored pencil drawing

This artwork illustrates a selection method for cells that carry mutations introduced by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. In this process, cells also receive a mutation that makes them resistant to ouabain, a molecule traditionally used as an arrow poison, with its chemical structure highlighted on the feathers of the arrows. Cells that did not receive the desired mutation are struck by the arrows, leaving only cells that have successfully undergone CRISPR genome editing.

Please contact Beata Mierzwa for information on usage and permissions.

Gown created from upcycled fabric printed with microscopy images of human cells

A dress representing the beauty of the molecular world. The prints on are created from real microscopy images of human cells. The blue layers show a collage of dividing cells, with green mitotic spindles segregating the blue DNA into two daughter cells. This ensures that each cell receives the correct set of chromosomes. The purple layers highlight the cytoskeleton made of actin filaments, which provide mechanical support and are essential for cell division and migration.

Please contact Beata Mierzwa for information on usage and permissions.

 Young Purkinje neurons, microscopy micrograph

Micrograph of axons, cells bodies (somata), and dendrites from a young cerebellum.

You are free to use this content as long as you credit the artist, Hermina Nedelescu.

Foliating lobules, microscopy micrograph

Micrograph of cerebellar folds diving the various lobules in the cerebellum.

You are free to use this content as long as you credit the artist, Hermina Nedelescu.

Axons and nuclei, microscopy micrograph

Micrograph showing convergence of Purkinje axons onto the cerebellar nuclei that, in turn, diverge their axons to the rest of the brain to coordinate movement.

You are free to use this content as long as you credit the artist, Hermina Nedelescu.

Young Purkinje neurons, microscopy micrograph

Micrograph of the protagonist of the cerebellum – the Purkinje neurons and its neighbors.

You are free to use this content as long as you credit the artist, Hermina Nedelescu.

Canvas giclee

Drawing of neighboring Purkinje cells to show their forest-like structure.

You are free to use this content as long as you credit the artist, Hermina Nedelescu.

Laser cut ash plywood

This sculpture is based upon the structure of the Poliovirus capsid.  The piece is designed to emphasize the symmetry and topographical nature of the surface of the virus using abstracted planes.  It depicts half of the full capsid and is made of six identical pentagonal units.  The edge coloring is the result of the wood burn from the laser cuts – apologies to Jean Du Buffet.

Please contact Arthur Olson for information on usage and permissions.

Barrierstrip autostereogram (PHSCologram)

This display of the poliovirus capsid conveys the stereoscopic three dimensional structure of the virus by enabling each eye to see it from a different angle. The colors depict the four proteins that comprise the capsid.  One protein (green) can only be seen from the inside. With two pentagonal sub assemblies removed one can see the inside of the capsid. The 3D perception is best viewed from about six feet away.  If someone close to the display puts their hand in front of the opening, it appears to be inside the capsid from the viewer further back.

Please contact Arthur Olson for information on usage and permissions.

Acrylic on canvas

From Rosalind Franklin’s break-through x-ray diffraction photo of the double helix to the modern use of touch DNA in forensic science is just a snapshot in time in the story of discovery. This artist’s interpretation of DNA, rather than an accurate model of the double helix, expresses the sense that DNA sheds as simply as Gregor Mendel’s pollen.
  

This artwork is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the artist. Contact her via her website at kathrynpeterson.org

Collage and acrylic painting on cradleboard

Belatedly we honor the Dark Lady of DNA… Rosalind Franklin’s 1952 51st X-ray diffraction photo of the double helix. James Watson’s self-described reaction re Photo 51: “The instant I saw the picture, my mouth fell open and my pulse began to race.” 

This artwork is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the artist. Contact her via her website at kathrynpeterson.org

Acrylic paint, watercolor pencil on cradleboard

With 10,000 diatom species to draw from, the designs of this precious organism are limitless. Here the artist chooses an “S” composition to symbolize the sea, though the species painted here aren’t limited to the ocean.

This artwork is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the artist. Contact her via her website at kathrynpeterson.org

Vintage microscope, watercolor pencil and acrylic, polymer clay, light source, slide of diatoms

Diatom drawings, arranged in visually pleasing patterns, 3D diatom models, sculpted from polymer clay, and actual oceanic diatoms on a slide allow the viewer to engage with the artwork to see these silica-bodied, single-cell organisms that account for 20% of the earth’s oxygen content.

This artwork is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the artist. Contact her via her website at kathrynpeterson.org

Acrylic paint and collage on cradleboard

As a child, the artist enjoyed reading through her ancestor’s old home-healthcare books (Horton Horward’s Family Companion 1864, and The Practical Home Physician 1909). In the PHP there are fold-out color plates of various parts of the body. She thought it interesting to see what scientists believed, especially with labeling perception in the brain, as collaged into this artwork. While the specific labels are inaccurate, with the advent of the MRI (the first living person was imaged in 1977), she realized that bygone scientists were far more understanding than she could have imagined. And yet, after all these years since, we still have far to go in brain research.

This artwork is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express consent of the artist. Contact her via her website at kathrynpeterson.org