The dichotomy of rendering microscopy images in 3 dimensions

We live in a three dimensional world, yet so many things we face every day are two dimensional representations of three dimensional objects.  From paintings and photographs to maps and architectural blueprints, the majority of human creative processes begin on a flat piece of paper.  Of course, technology has shown great progress, making way for 3D cinematography and 3D printing.  But even 3D movies and CAD drawings of the greatest discoveries and inventions are usually depicted on a 2D screen.

In creating NeuroBead, I wanted to turn this convention on its head.  As I often write on my blog, the beauty of confocal microscopy is the precision with which it allows us to image the thinnest optical sections of cells, still capturing their exquisite complexity.  While samples can be imaged over multiple Z-planes and reconstructed into 3D images, there is something especially gratifying in capturing a single confocal image of an elaborate neuron.  By converting confocal images into three dimensional beaded cells, I hope to bring more life to the flat pictures neuroscientists are so used to seeing on our screens, and to emphasize the natural beauty of these amazing structures.

The beauty of confocal microscopy is the precision with which it allows us to image the thinnest optical sections of cells, still capturing their exquisite complexity.

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Do you or someone you know have a favorite microscopy image?  Contact me and we will make it even more beautiful!  You can email me directly at yzorina@gmail.com.  Let’s chat!

“Lost in Manhattan”, 2018

13″ x 13″ on stretched canvas