A few excerpts from a 3-minute MOD animation that provides an insightful overview of amyloidosis, a group of rare and devastating progressive diseases caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. 

The most common form of systemic amyloidosis is amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis, which is caused by the misfolding of immunoglobulin light chains produced by abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. These misfolded light chains aggregate, forming amyloid fibrils that accumulate in organs and tissues, leading to damage and dysfunction.

A crucial detail and task for us was to create an accurate depiction of the immunoglobulin light chain monomer, its conformational misfolding – and ultimately, its aggregation and assembly into amyloid fibrils – which accumulate into deposits and damage organs.

Given the significant impact on the heart (may lead to conditions such as cardiomyopathy in over 75% of patients), the focus of this animation is on illustrating the damage caused by amyloid deposits in cardiac tissue. While the heart is most commonly affected, amyloid fibrils can also accumulate in other organs such as the liver, wrists, hands, feet, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.

By illustrating these key processes, this animation highlights the severe impact of amyloid deposits on the heart and other organs affected by AL amyloidosis.

View animation >>

Tagged: AL amyloidosis, amyloid deposits, amyloid light chain, amyloidosis, cardiac, cardiac amyloidosis, cardiology, fibrils, heart, heart failure, heart health, hybrid medical, immunoglobulin light chains, light chain amyloidosis, medical animation, medical marketing, misfolded proteins, misfolding, myocardium, scientific animation, visual science

Selected segments from a 2.5 minute animation that highlights the features and benefits of a new biomimetic technology that combines a biomimetic surface and unique lens chemistry to help resist bacteria and lipid deposits. Durable enough to deliver comfort for a full 30 days of wear, the TOTAL30 contact lens surface mimics the softness of the human cornea, keeping the eyes healthy with high oxygen permeability and superior lens surface moisture stability.

Unique challenges for this project included building a microworld of corneal epithelium and glycocalyx – a network of proteoglycans that covers epithelia of the eye – as well as construction of a polymer nanofiber “brush” that moves in a constant, dynamic, undulating motion like that of the corneal surface.

Another critical aspect was showcasing how these two dynamic surfaces (glycocalyx and polymer nanofibers) come together to form a layer of surface protection with the tear film. This biomimetic design provides a naturally clean, lubricious surface that is as soft as the human cornea, yet durable enough to last through 30 days of cleaning and maintenance.

View animation >>

Tagged: bacterial resistance, biomimetic technology, biomimicry, clean lens technology, contact lens animation, contact lenses, corneal care, corneal epithelium, digital health, dynamic surfaces, eye health, eye protection, glycocalyx, hybrid medical, lens chemistry, lens comfort, lens durability, lens innovation, long wear lenses, medical animation, medical device animation, medical marketing, moisture stability, oxygen permeability, pharma, polymer nanofibers, science communications, scientific animation, soft contact lenses, tear film protection, total 30 lens

The relationship between your gut microbiome and your well-being is so extensive that almost no condition is untouched by its influence. What is the gut microbiome, and how does it impact your overall health? 

Join us as we explore the uniquely individual ecosystem that is your gut microbiome, and the intricate environment within the human gut, which supports essential functions such as digestion, vitamin synthesis, pathogen defense, immune response, and even mental health.

Our journey begins within the inner mucus layer of the descending colon, where we observe essential bacterial byproducts — including short-chain fatty acids, hormones, and dietary nutrients — being absorbed by the colon’s epithelial cells. Immune cells are also here, patrolling the area and maintaining a delicate balance of tolerance versus response within the gut ecosystem. This inner mucus layer serves as a primary defense barrier, limiting direct microbial contact with the colon.

Next, we transition to the permeable outer mucus layer, a vast, thriving habitat for microbial colonization and interaction. Of the 100 trillion microbes coexisting in your gut, the colon hosts the most robust and diverse population.. Fungi and viruses – especially bacteriophages – also play significant roles in this dynamic environment.

Finally, we explore a defining feature of the microbiome: biofilms. These structured colonies of bacteria produce protective coverings and attach to the inner mucus layer. Biofilms play a fundamental role in microbial life, contributing to both health and disease. Understanding the balance between beneficial and harmful biofilms is crucial for developing strategies to manage gut health effectively.

View animation >>

Tagged: bacteria, biomedical communications, biotech, biotechnology, colon health, gastrointestinal tract, gut bacteria, gut diversity, gut ecosystem, gut health, gut microbes, gut microbiome, gut microbiota, human gut microbiome, human microbiome, hybrid medical, medical animation, Medical science, medical visualization, medicine, microbiology, microbiome, microbiome health, microbiome medicine, microbiota, pharma, science, science visuals, scientific animation, visual science