Blooming Gelatin

Description

2018 Fifth Place, Northwestern Scientific Images Contest. This microscope image shows a flower-like irregularity in the surface of a gelatin-based material. Gelatin is best known as the main ingredient in Jell-O and many gummy candies. The gelatin here has been chemically altered to be stronger so that we can use it to help understand how kidney cells interact and function and to eventually engineer new kidney tissue in the laboratory.

Abstract

This image originally appeared as part of Northwestern's Scientific Images Contest. The contest and subsequent exhibitions are organized by Science in Society, the university's research center for science education and public engagement. Further information and opportunities to participate are available on their website.

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