Accidental beauty

Description

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. Prints and canvas editions of these Northwestern research images can also be purchased online (with the small net profit going to science education and outreach programming in the Chicago area).

Abstract

This image shows tiny purple ropes, dotted with turquoise and yellow sugar bubbles. These ropes are a fibrous material that mimics tissue in the body. Many ropes together can weave a custom-made tissue band-aid. This new material can then help heal damaged organs. Scientists create these bio-compatible ropes by pushing the fiber material through microscopic molds. The bubbles are a residue from a lubricant which helps the fibers flow through the mold.

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