Switching nanofibers

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

The image shows a brain cell known as astrocyte (shown in blue) on a newly-created synthetic material (shown in green and orange). The large orange structures resemble those in an injured spinal cord. These stimulate changes in the blue brain cells structure and function. Materials like this could help the body repair itself after trauma to the central nervous system.

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