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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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

This animation provides a straightforward yet comprehensive explanation of how CAR T-cell therapy represents a powerful new tool in the fight against cancer. 

Our key task was to visualize a basic understanding of the immune system’s natural processes with these amazing scientific advancements that have led to the development of this innovative therapy. 

CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge approach to treating cancer by enhancing the body’s immune system. Normally, T-cells detect and destroy harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells using specialized receptors. However, cancer cells can evade this process by causing T-cells to become exhausted or by blocking receptor binding, allowing tumors to grow unchecked.

The scientific advancements of this innovative therapy involve genetically modifying T-cells from a patient’s own body. Scientists insert DNA to create Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs), which are engineered to specifically recognize and bind to cancer cells. Once these modified T-cells – or CAR T-cells – are reintroduced into the patient’s bloodstream, they seek out and kill cancer cells more effectively. Additionally, these CAR T-cells do not just attack once. They multiply within the body, creating more fighters that can continue the assault against the cancer. This multiplication ensures a more robust and sustained attack, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.

City of Hope is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking therapies that utilize CAR T-cells to treat various types of cancer, offering new hope to patients who might not have had effective treatment options before.

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Tagged: (CAR) T-cell therapy, antigens, biology, biotechnology, cancer, cancer research, cancer treatment, CAR T, CAR T cell animation, CAR T therapy, CAR T-cell animation, car-t cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor, city of hope, gene therapy, hybrid medical, immune health, immunotherapy, medical animation, Medical science, medical visualisation, pharma, scientific animation, T cells, visual science

This animation delves deep into the tumor microenvironment (TME) — a complex cellular domain in which a tumor resides. 

Take an immersive, cinematic journey through this thriving tumor microenvironment, showcasing the intricate biological landscape of an extracellular matrix, newly-forming blood vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and various immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, NK cells, and more.

Tumors are more than just masses of malignant cells. Although the composition of the TME varies between tumor types, in many cases, the actual tumor cells might comprise less than half of the tumor’s total mass. Our animation also highlights the newly-formed vasculature. These vessels not only sustain the TME with oxygen and nutrients but also provide a route for tumor cells to access the bloodstream and potentially metastasize to distant sites.

In this exploration, we also emphasize cell migration — a critical, multifaceted process shaped by various factors. Cells within the TME communicate with each other through an intricate network of signaling pathways that can influence immune response and surveillance, angiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. There have been recent advancements in understanding the spatial arrangement and complex interrelationships of cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Ultimately, a tumor’s growth and potential to spread are shaped by several intertwined pathological events, including chronic inflammation, alterations and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, immune system suppression, and cell migration.

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Tagged: angiogenesis, bioart, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, cancer cells, cancer research, cell biology, cell migration, extracellular matrix, hybrid medical, immune cells, immuno oncology, immuno-oncology, immunotherapy, medical animation, medical visualization, metastasis, microscopy, oncology, pharma, science, science visuals, scientific animation, spatial biology, T cells, t lymphocytes, tumor, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment

The heart’s internal blood flow is complex, beautiful, and driven by several components, including the four heart valves, ventricular makeup, the rhythmic contraction and relaxation cycles, the automatic nervous system, and hormonal influence. All these factors work in tandem to ensure continuous and efficient circulation of blood throughout the heart and the entire body.

Our goal in this scene was to emulate blood flow in the chambers of the heart using fluid dynamics (in Houdini).

Simulations of this type require a high amount of detail in order to contend with the high velocities of pressure and flow, and to address the thin collision geometry in the valves and between the chambers. 

We rendered this in a style that would feature the blood flow and give the heart more of a fluoroscopy look & feel. Oxygenated blood is shown in red; deoxygenated blood in blue.

The percentage of blood that is pumped out with each beat is called ejection fraction or EF. Normal ejection fraction is greater than 55%.

Comprehending the dynamics of blood flow is pivotal for grasping the nuances of cardiovascular physiology. Analyzing these flow patterns is instrumental in evaluating cardiac performance, specifically when assessing the heart’s diastolic function. Understanding the efficiency of the ventricles filling up before they contract can be crucial when diagnosing heart failure.

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Tagged: 3D blood flow visualization, aorta, biology, biomechanics, blood flow, blood flow in heart, Blood flow inside the heart, blood pressure, cardiac anatomy, cardiac hemodynamics, cardiac physiology, cardiovascular system, circulatory system, contraction, ejection fraction, electrophysiology system, fluid mechanics, haemodynamics, heart failure, heart valves, heartbeat, hemodynamics, HFpEF, HFrEF, houdini, Houdini fx, hybrid medical, Intraventricular hemodynamics, med art, medical animation, pharma, preserved ejection fraction, science visuals, scientific animation, sidefx, stroke volume, ventricular volume

Amyloid plaques are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

This sequence shows the proliferation and activation of microglia in the brain, concentrating around and engulfing neurotoxic amyloid-beta plaques that have caused damage to impaired neurons nearby.

Microglia are specialized immune cells of the central nervous system, specifically in the brain and spinal cord. They play a vital role in monitoring and maintaining the neural environment. One of their primary responsibilities is to detect and remove damaged neurons, plaques, and other cellular debris from the brain.

We worked closely with our clients to create an accurate portrayal of microglia, including their form and structure, their movement and behavior, as well as the manner in which they form a barrier around these growing, toxic plaques. Microglia size, movement, and morphology were all examined by viewing time-lapse imaging projection software – and then recreated in 3D.

One potentially harmful aspect of this relationship between microglia and plaques is that prolonged activation of microglia in response to persistent plaques can lead to chronic inflammation, which might contribute to neuronal damage and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Tagged: aggregates, Alzheimer’s disease, alzheimers, amyloid, amyloid beta, amyloid fibril, amyloid plaques, amyloid-beta plaques, axonal dystrophy, Aβ plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, biomedical communications, biotech, biotechnology, brain deterioration, cognitive decline, glia, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical visualization, microglia, microglia barrier, microglial, microglial phagocytosis, Minneapolis Minnesota, nervous system, neurofibrillary tangles, neurons, neuroprotection, neurotoxic, plaques, scientific animation, synaptic dysfunction, toxic aggregates

Segment from 5-minute mechanism of action animation.

This sequence explores a hallmark and pathophysiological feature of Alzheimer’s disease: toxic amyloid beta aggregates (Aβ) that accumulate into plaques (neurofibrillary tangles) near neurons in the brain.

A challenge for this sequence was to show the assembly of these naturally occurring peptides – oligomers, fibrils, and plaques – all in one continuous shot.

In addition, we show how over time, extracellular amyloid beta aggregates, including oligomers, fibrils, and plaques, are thought to exert toxic effects on neurons and synapses, disrupt cell function, and lead to synaptic dysfunction and loss.

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Tagged: aggregates, alzheimer’s, alzheimer's disease, alzheimers, amyloid, amyloid beta, amyloid beta plaques, amyloid fibril, amyloid plaques, biomedical communications, biotech, brain deterioration, cognitive decline, digital health, extracellular amyloid beta aggregates, fibrils, hybrid medical, medart, medical animation, medical visualization, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroscience, oligomers, plaques, scicomm, synaptic dysfunction, toxic aggregates

Opening with a view of the heart, we reveal several amyloid deposits infiltrating the muscle tissue. 

Then we zoom down to the heart muscle cells and see misfolded light chains aggregating into insoluble amyloid fibrils.

We fade, over time, from the early onset of light-chain infiltration to late-stage fibril aggregation, where the buildup of amyloid deposits around and in between the cardiomyocytes has made the muscle tissue stiff and less flexible, impairing the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood.

Amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis is the most common form of systemic amyloidosis and is caused by the misfolding of immunoglobulin light chains, which are produced by abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. 

Deposits can be widespread, affecting multiple organs, or they can be more localized.

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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, misfolded proteins, misfolding, myocardium, scientific animation, visual science

Animation sequence featuring a fly-over of the human gut microbiome – a huge, diverse range of many different types of bacteria residing inside our small and large intestine.

This sequence was created for an episode (for WebMD) that examines how the gut microbiome may influence cancer response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Essentially, if a patient has melanoma, the types of bacteria in their gut may help determine if the cancer responds to checkpoint inhibitor therapy or not.

There are trillions of microbes in our gastrointestinal tract, around 90% of which are bacteria.

Our microbiome has a profound impact on our well-being and can affect us in several different ways – both beneficial and harmful. In recent years, scientists and researchers have discovered correlations between the composition of an individual’s microbiome and their wider health, including obesity, mental health, bowel disease, and the immune system.

Further advances need to be made in learning more about actual causation – and which effects come from which individual microbes.

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

A view of paramecia spiraling their way about in a freshwater pond.

In this sequence, we get a close-up look at one of these unicellular microorganisms as it makes its way around using the tiny hair-like cilia on its outer surface. Arranged in longitudinal rows, there are around 4,000 of these motile cilia on its surface, beating in waves to ensure movement and feeding.

In addition to other organelles, we can see several vacuoles inside, digesting organisms such as bacteria and yeasts.

The paramecium was among the first single-celled organisms to be observed under the microscope.

In order to capture the emergent behavior and movement of this microworld, the definitive goal here was to create a natural environment using physics simulations and a procedural pipeline instead of hand-keyed animation.

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Tagged: biology, cell, ciliate, ciliates, houdini, houdinifx, hybrid medical, medical animation, micro, microbes, microbiology, microcosmos, microscope, microscope photography, microscopy, microworld, paramecia, paramecium, pharma, photomicrography, redshift, redshift3d, science, science visuals, scientific animation, sidefx, unicellular

This animation takes a closer look at a fungal infection of the toenail and the key attributes of its invasion, including discoloration and brittleness of the nail, striations and thickness of the nail plate, and ultimately, the presence and proliferation of fungi at the nail bed.

One of the more important aspects for this project was to create a highly detailed, diseased nail cross-section, including anatomically correct layers (dorsal, intermediate, and ventral). This would allow us to feature the delivery vehicle and transport of cosmetic and antifungal ingredients through the nail plate.

Additional key challenges for this piece included creating a 3D toe with diseased nail, particle simulations of the key anti-fungal solution ingredients and their pathway down to the nail bed, and the destruction of fungal species (including yeasts, dermatophyte molds, and non-dermatophyte molds) at the nail bed.

Trichophyton rubrum – the fungal species we see at the end – is the most common type of nail fungus.

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Tagged: antifungal, cosmetic, dermatology, dermatophyte, fungal, fungal infection, fungal nails, fungus, houdini, hybrid medical, keratin matrix, medical animation, mold, nail bed, nail fungal disease, nail plate, nails, onychomycosis, pedicure, redshift, science, science visuals, scientific animation, toe fungus, toe fungus animation, toe fungus3D, toenail fungus, trichophyton, trichophyton rubrum, yeast

A few selected sequences we produced for a recent Medscape CME / ABIM MOC / CE symposium titled NASH 101: What You Need to Know Now

The full 2.5- minute animation was developed to be played as a visual aid when the moderator discussed epidemiology and pathogenesis.

We were asked to conceptualize and develop this visual science story. It provides insight into the pathophysiology of NAFLD and NASH, including the role of fatty acids, insulin resistance, and steatosis, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, excess ROS production, and the stress put on the endoplasmic reticulum inside ballooning hepatocytes. 

In addition, we depicted key attributes of the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) including bloated hepatocytes and the fat droplets accumulating inside, displaced cell organelles, lobular inflammation, and the scarring (fibrosis) that occurs as collagen fibers fill the spaces once cell death occurs.

In the last few years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have become the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. This epidemic is starting to parallel the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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Tagged: biology, biomedical communications, cirrhosis, fatty acids, fatty liver disease animation, hepatocytes, hybrid medical, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, liver animation, medical animation, medical marketing, NAFLD, NASH, NASH liver disease animation, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, science visuals, scientific animation, steatohepatitis, steatosis, type 2 diabetes

A close-up fly-through of tumor cells, and the arrival of cytotoxic t cells intent on eradicating them. Activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T cells are critical for immune-mediated tumor destruction.

A key challenge we were given for this sequence: develop a rendering approach that mimics infrared thermal microscopy imaging techniques.

Researchers have been making advancements in understanding the thermal behavior of cells – for example, the ability to read the signatures of tumor cells due to their higher metabolism – in order to be used alongside existing histological analysis methods.

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Tagged: biology, biomedical communications, biotechnology, cancer cells, cytotoxic T cells, fluorescence microscopy, hybrid medical, immune cells, immunology, immunotherapy, infrared, infrared (IR) microscopy, infrared imaging in biology, infrared spectroscopy, IR imaging, IR microscopy, Killer T cell animation, Killer T cells, medical animation, microspectroscopic animation, Minneapolis Minnesota, oncology, pharma, science visuals, scientific animation, T cells, thermal, thermal imaging, thermal microscopy, tumor cells, tumor death

Fat cell enlargement in obesity is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

In this sequence, we travel into the visceral fat and see an active environment – teeming with overstressed, damaged fat cells, vasculature, and immune cells.

Stress on these hypertrophic adipocytes results in lipid spillover (fatty acid release) into the circulation, as well as proinflammatory cytokine release and immune cell recruitment.

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Tagged: adipocyte animation, adipocytes, adipose tissue disfunction, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes animation, diabetes prevention, fat cell animation, fat cell enlargement, fat cells, hybrid medical, hypertrophic adipocytes, hypertrophic adipose expansion, hypertrophic fat cells, medical animation, medical illustration, medical visualisation, scientific animation, type 2, type 2 diabetes

A few selected segments from a 6-minute animation created for a first-in-class B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed personalized immunotherapy called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.

In this CAR T therapy, the T cells are engineered to target a protein called BCMA, which is found in abundance on multiple myeloma cells, but is absent from nearly all normal cells.

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Tagged: (CAR) T-cell therapy, antigens, biology, biotechnology, cancer, cancer research, cancer treatment, CAR T, CAR T cell animation, CAR T therapy, CAR T-cell animation, car-t cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor, chimeric antigen receptor animation, gene therapy, hybrid medical, immune health, immunotherapy, medical animation, Medical science, medical visualisation, pharma, scientific animation, T cells, visual science

Sequence from an animation that explores influenza, the body’s immune response to the virus, and how it may cause dangerous levels of inflammation throughout multiple organs systems of the body.

In this excerpt, we depict a plaque rupture and show the important role inflammation plays in the development of atherosclerotic plaques.

This is a sequence from a three-part production that provides insight into how older adults with existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, or diabetes may face a higher risk of severe complications when they are infected with the influenza virus.

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Tagged: atherosclerosis, cardiac, cardiac arrest, cardiology, cardiovascular disease, flu, heart disease, heart disease awareness, heart failure, hybrid medical, hypertension, immune response, inflammation, influenza, medical animation, plaque, scientific animation, vaccines, virus, visual science

Sequence from 5-minute MOA that provides insight and details for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to induce programmed tumor cell death (apoptosis) and immunomodulatory activity.

For this mechanism of action video, our task was to create a science story that would depict several key features: how the mAb finds and binds to myeloma cells and exposes them for elimination, how it boosts cells of the immune system, and how this targeted immunotherapy can kill myeloma cells directly.

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Tagged: antibody, biomedical communications, biotech, blood cancer, cancer, cancer immunotherapy, cancer treatment, CD38, hybrid medical, immunotherapy, leukemia, lymphoma, medical animation, medical marketing, monoclonal antibodies, multiple myeloma, myeloid, myeloma awareness, oncology, scientific animation, visual science

Animation created for the Synexis BioDefense System, a cutting-edge device that converts naturally occurring oxygen and humidity in the air to Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), otherwise known as DHP™.

This unique molecule works continuously to attack the mold, bacteria and viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) that hide in any type of indoor space.

Our job was to visualize the breakdown and conversion of particles to be converted into DHP, as well as show how DHP molecules are drawn to and destroy various types of viruses, bacteria and mold.

We collaborated closely with our client regarding how the DHP engages with (and destroys) each kind of pathogen, as well as behavior of subatomic particles in the breakdown-and-conversion process inside the catalyst space.

For the complete video, visit synexis.com

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Tagged: bacteria, bioart, biodefense, continuous clean, DHP, Dry hydrogen peroxide, health & wellness, hybrid medical, Innovative technology, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualisation, microbes, microbiology, mold, naturally safe, science, science art, science visuals, scientific animation, Synexis, virology, viruses, visual effects

A few frames from animation that depicts the progression of diabetic nephropathy, a driver of chronic kidney disease in people with diabetes. 

Here in the glomerulus, the images show progressive damage to the tubules, damage to podocytes (including loss of them), and scarring as a result of mesangial cells excreting extracellular matrix. 

The last image depicts contracted, granular kidneys from long-term hypertension.

Animation was created for client’s episode on chronic kidney disease and the relationship between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced CKD.

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Tagged: anatomy art, biomedical communications, biotech, bowman’s capsule, chronic kidney disease, CKD, diatbetic nephropathy, digital health, extracellular matrix, glomerular disease, glomerular hyperfiltration, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical art, medical marketing, medical visualization, mesangial cells, Minneapolis Minnesota, nephrology, podocytes, scientific animation

Deep in the lungs, we can see the clusters of tiny air sacs — the alveoli — becoming inflamed and filling with pus, making it difficult to breathe.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi.

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Tagged: alveoli, anatomy, biology, hybrid medical, influenza animation, lung anatomy, lung health, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualisation, Minneapolis Minnesota, pneumonia, pneumonia animation, pneumonia awareness, Pneumonia Day, pneumonia sucks, pneumonia vaccination, pneumonia vaccine, pulmonary, science, science visuals, scientific animation

The monoclonal antibody has become instrumental for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

In this sequence, monoclonal antibodies are seen targeting CD38, a protein commonly expressed on the surface of cancerous plasma cells.

Activation of the complement system triggers the formation of pores in the cellular membrane, leading to cell death.

A goal for this sequence was to explore a visual approach that resembled a deep sea look & feel, including planktonic soft-bodied organisms and other invertebrate animals that live near the ocean floor.

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Tagged: antibodies, antibody, antigen, biology class, blood cancer, cancer, CD38, CD38 antibodies, hybrid medical, immune system, mAb, medical animation, medical illustration, medical marketing, medical visualization, monoclonal, multiple myeloma, myeloid, pharmaceutical animation, science, science art, science visuals, scientific animation

Segment from a 4-minute animation that explores the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and the progressive, tissue-damaging effects of chronic hemolysis and anemia.

Our assignment: visually depict several key critical aspects of the SCD story, such as hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization, red blood cell sickling and tethering, vaso-occlusion, and chronic hemolysis.

Sickled red blood cells promote inflammation, obstruct the vasculature, injure the endothelium, and may lead to ischemic damage in vital organs.

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Tagged: anemia, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, blood flow, HbS polymer formation, HbS polymerization, hemoglobin S, hemolysis, hybrid medical, intravascular hemolysis, medical animation, medical marketing, pharma, SCD damage, scientific animation, sickle cell, sickle cell anemia, sickle cell awareness, sickle cell disease, sickle cell warrior, vascular, vaso-occlusion, visual science

Patient education animations created for WebMD that explore common medications for type 2 diabetes.

Because each treatment works in a unique way, our task was to bring three medications to life, creating an easy-to-understand mechanism of action story for each science story.

The three medications highlighted on the WebMD website: Metformin, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and SGLT2 Inhibitors. 

These are selected segments from the larger productions.

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Tagged: biology class, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes awareness, diabetes community, diabetes life, diabetes prevention, dpp4 inhibitor, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical visualisation, metformin, patient education, science art, science visuals, scientific animation, sglt2 inhibitor, type 2 diabetes, visual effects

Sequence from immersive 1.5-minute 360° animation where we explore the benefits of sleep.

Here within the neural microspace of the brain, we depict the “cleansing system” of the brain: the glymphatic system. 

Just like the rest of your body, the brain accumulates waste. Recent discoveries have shown that cerebral spinal fluid “flushes” debris and metabolic toxins out of the neural microspace during the deep sleep phase. 

We also watch the heart beating (and lungs breathing) inside the chest cavity and discuss the role of sleep in reducing your risk for cardiovascular diseases.

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Tagged: 360 animation, benefits of sleep, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, daytime sleepiness, glymphatic system, healing power of sleep, hybrid medical, importance of sleep, insufficient sleep, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualization, Minneapolis Minnesota, pharma, poor sleep, science visuals, scientific animation, sleep animation, sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, sleeplessness, WebMD animation

Sequence from project that provides insight on the role aberrant DNA methylation has in the abnormalities responsible for cancer cell growth, especially hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

In this sequence, we begin with a view of “normal” DNA methylation, and then change to a view of hypermethylation underway.

Eventually, decitabine – a hypomethylating agent – can be seen moving into place and blocking DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), leading to the degradation of DNMT and eventual hypomethylation.

Targeting DNA methylation with DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) acts to reprogram tumor cells to a more normal-like state.

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Tagged: aberrant DNA methylation patterns, abnormal methylation, biomedical communications, biotech, cancer, cedazuridine, cytidine deaminase, decitabine, DNA, DNA methylation, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, DNMT degradation, epigenetic cancer therapy, gene expression, genetic mutations, genetics, hematological malignancies, histones, hybrid medical, hypermethylation, hypomethylating agents, hypomethylation, leukemia, medical animation, medical marketing, nucleosome, oncology, scientific animation

1.5-minute animation created for CME event. 

Our assignment included the development of the science story and creation of key events that would inform and educate viewers on the physiologic functions associated with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the role of CB1 retrograde signaling, as well as the enzymes involved in the degradation of endocannabinoids.

We had the pleasure and honor of collaborating closely with the speaker of this event; she is also noted for her discovery of the CB1 receptor for cannabinoid agonists.

The target audience included neurologists, primary care physicians, and pediatricians.

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Tagged: anandamide, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, cannabinoid animation, cannabis, CB1, CB1 and CB2 receptors, ECS, endocannabinoid system, endocannabinoids, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualization, Minneapolis Minnesota, pharma, phytocannabinoids, presynaptic neuron, retrograde signaling, science visuals, scientific animation

Here inside this blood vessel, the circulation of red blood cells is obstructed by sickled red blood cells aggregating, sticking together, and leading to an event known as a vaso-occlusive crisis — a central characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD)

As we zoom out, we are able to see more damage being done in other microvessels.

Sickled red blood cells promote inflammation, obstruct the vasculature, injure the endothelium, and may lead to ischemic damage in vital organs.

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Tagged: anemia, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, blood flow, cells, HbS polymerization, hemoglobin S, hemolysis, hybrid medical, hybrid medical animation, inflammation, ischemic damage, medical animation, pharma, rbc, red blood cells, SCD damage, scientific animation, sickle cell, sickle cell animation, sickle cell awareness, sickle cell disease, sickle cell warrior, vascular, vaso-occlusion, vessel, visual science

Working closely with local book company Lerner Publishing Group, we developed an augmented reality app geared for student learning. This app includes series Space in Action, Gross Bodies and Creepy Crawlies. All now available in stores.

Take a look!

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Download IOS App >>

Download Android App >>

Tagged: antibodies, antibody, antibody animation, antibody drug conjugate, biology, biopharmaceutical drugs, biotechnology, Biotherapeutic, cancer, cancer immunotherapy, cell biology, drug payload, hybrid medical, hybrid medical animation, immunotherapy, medical animation, Medical science, medical visualisation, medicine, monoclonal, monoclonal antibodies, pharma, science, science art, science visuals, scientific animation, therapeutic, visual science

Watch a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) sprout from the surface of a genetically re-engineered white blood cell.

A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) sprouts from the surface of a genetically re-engineered white blood cell.

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Tagged: antigens, biology, biomedical communications, cancer, cancer treatment, car-t cell therapy, gene, hybrid medical animation, Minneapolis Minnesota, visual science

Tagged: hybrid medical animation, medical, promotional reel

Large-scale, interactive installation featuring a beating heart and flow simulation of the body’s circulatory system.

The heartbeat and blood flow respond interactively to visitors in the facility: as more people enter the University Center, the heart rate elevates; as they leave, the heartbeat lowers. 

Created in the visual style of an MRI, the 11-foot-tall, 8-foot-wide installation serves as a living welcome to visitors of the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.

This animation features a few of the sequences we produced for the final piece, including the particle simulations of blood pressure and flow.

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Tagged: art installation, biology, biotech, blood flow, blood pressure, booth design, booth installation, cardiology, conference, exhibit, healthcare, heart anatomy, heart health, hybrid medical, interactive art, interactive health, interactive media, medical animation, new media, pharma, scientific animation, trade show, tradeshow, tradeshow display, vascular, visual science

2.5 minute animation that explores the multiple factors contributing to joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and the role of IL-6, one of the most abundant multifunctional cytokines in the synovial fluid of patients with RA.

IL-6 is a key driver of articular and systemic manifestations and major player in inflammation, immunity, and disease.

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Tagged: hybrid medical, immunology, medical animation, pharma animation, Rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis awareness, rheumatology, science education, scientific animation

Augmented reality experience and app developed for the support of our client’s autotransfusion system. Developed as a key global training tool for service technicians, equipment service and support team members.

This in-depth AR experience allows the technician to virtually “place” the AutoLog IQ unit in their own space. Interactive callouts and a user interface help the user locate, examine, and disassemble device components, as well as re-assemble the system parts back into place. Imagine the benefits of this app versus having to locate the correct documentation and finding parts from a schematic.

Because the augmented device environment is a virtual mirror of the actual real-life system, this experience offers technicians the ability to take control of their learning process — on their own time, and at their own location. Videos are also available in the app to support the user experience.

A key for this project was to appropriate the system’s detailed CAD data and convert it into a reasonable format suitable for AR and real-time display.

Our role included all aspects, including close collaboration with the client on overall concept and creation of product’s augmented “story,” production of real-time 3D experience & assets, as well as interface design and deployment of app.

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Tagged: AR, AR training tool, augmented reality, CAD data to AR, immersion, medical device

Video capture of augmented reality app experience that highlights the features and benefits of our client’s innovative transcatheter pulmonary valve therapy device.

Our role included all aspects, including close collaboration with the client on overall concept and creation of product’s augmented “story,” production of real-time 3D experience & assets, as well as interface design and deployment of app.

Working closely with our client, we created an experience that provides the user with first-hand interaction of the device, as well as the ability to explore key features & benefits using a custom user interface design.

Frustrated by the limitations and prohibitive nature of taking prototypes and products on the road, our client is thrilled to now have an effective, high-quality augmented reality experience for use at various shows and events. Having the ability to instantly point out features and benefits using a self-contained AR device is a huge advantage.

Thanks to the immediacy, immersion, and presence that augmented reality provides, the advantages of leveraging the experience for patient education are amazing as well.

While AR and VR appear to be gaining ground in the areas of gaming and social media, healthcare and medical device industries are also beginning to realize their tremendous potential as well.

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Tagged: AR, augmented reality, cardiology, extended reality, immersion, medical device, mixed reality

AnatomyAR+ augmented reality app for #MERGECube, available on MERGE Miniverse.

We made this video for our augmented reality app; featuring the most thoughtful (yet tough!) critics we could find. We are currently working on some updates and enhancements.

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Tagged: AR, ARVRinEDU, augmented reality, biology, ed tech, extended reality, kids in AR, MERGE Cube, mixed reality, science education, science visuals, VR, XR

A breach in the skin (from a catheter) has led to an invasion of the bloodstream and profuse growth of the fungus.

Animation created for a closer look at Candida auris — the first identified multidrug-resistant fungus. Injury to cutaneous barriers by catheters allows yeast and fungi to invade deeper structures and enter the bloodstream.

We are honored and thrilled to have this artwork featured on the cover of this year’s Medical Illustration Sourcebook (30th ed).

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Tagged: candida auris, candida infection, candidemia, candidiasis, drug resistant, fungal infection, fungus, hybrid medical, hyphae, medical animation, MedIllSB, microbiology, mycology, science art, science visuals

Micro-landscape view of respiratory cells, an accumulating layer of mucus, and Bordetella pertussis bacteria releasing toxins.

A coughing event is occurring here, displacing mucus, the bacteria, and debris.

Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads simply through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person.

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Tagged: biology, bordetella pertussis bacteria, hybrid medical, microbiology, mucus, respiratory cells, science visuals, scientific animation, whooping cough

One of a few sequences we produced for the film “Burden of Genius.”

This documentary explores the life of Dr. Thomas Starzl, a man many call the greatest surgeon of the 20th century and “the father of modern transplantation.”

In 1967, Dr. Starzl stunned the world with the first successful liver transplantation.

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Tagged: biology, documentary, heart, hybrid medical, liver, liver transplant, medical animation, organ transplant, science visuals, transplant, transplant survivor, visual effects

Activated T cells of the immune system targeting and destroying tumor cells. Once lysis occurs, the T cell moves to another cancer cell and repeats the process.

Sequence created for program that explores the impact of immunotherapies for lung cancer.

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Tagged: biology, cancer, hybrid medical, immune system, immunology, immunotherapy, killer cells, medical animation, science visuals, scientific animation, tumor cells

VR experience examining the pathogenesis and inflammatory cycle of psoriatic arthritis.

What does virtual reality provide that a linear video cannot? For this MOA, we immerse the viewer into the inflammatory cycle of psoriatic arthritis and reiterate the story in a non-linear fashion — allowing users the ability to roam around and explore as they wish.

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Tagged: ARVRinEDU, biology, ed tech, hybrid medical, immune system, immunology, immunotherapy, Interactive, medical VR, mixed reality, psoriatic arthritis, science education, science visuals, scientific animation, virtual reality, vive, VR

A couple of excerpts from a video production that explores a new advancement in preventing brain injury; specifically, the occurrence of brain injury caused by a concussive blow to the head.

The Q-Collar, developed by Q30 Innovations, assists the body’s own physiology, creating a “bubble-wrap” effect for the brain.

One key visual component of this project involved working closely with the client to execute their concept of slosh mitigation.

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Tagged: brain injury, concussion, hybrid medical, medical animation, science art, science visuals, scientific animation

We are excited to release our new demo reel!

A collection of some of our favorite and latest work, featuring segments from medical animation projects we have produced over the past couple of years.

View video >>

Tagged: demo reel, hybrid medical, medical animation, moa, pharma, promotional reel, science education, science visuals, scientific animation

Earlier this summer, we were selected to be developers for the Merge Cube. The video below shows some explorations with augmented reality and the cube.

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Tagged: AR, ARVRinEDU, augmented reality, biology, ed tech, extended reality, kids in AR, MERGE Cube, mixed reality, science education, science visuals, VR, XR

A few selected segments from an 8-minute animation produced specially for client’s trade show “4D Multisensory” installation.

The 3D interactive ride was featured at the ATS International Conference, the home of pulmonary, critical care and sleep professionals. Attendees experienced a stereoscopic, 3D monorail-style journey through two “branded” cities, learning more about two different patient therapies for COPD.

The XD Theater Experience is a self-contained, motion-simulated, stereoscopic 3D interactive ride often implemented for high-end, media-based trade show attractions.

View online >>

Tagged: 4D Multisensory, ATS International Conference, COPD, critical care, hybrid medical, interactive ride, mechanism of action, medical animation, pulmonary, science education, science visuals, scientific animation, sleep professionals, stereoscopic, stereoscopic 3D, trade show, tradeshow, XD Theater Experience

Some of our favorite work we have produced and explored in 360° VR.

View 360 here >> 

Frame from immersive 360° animation & illustration

View 360 here >>

We were recently in Chicago to present a multi-device virtual and augmented reality showcase. The stations included the Vive, Oculus, Gear VR, Google Cardboard and the Hololens.

Contact us to schedule a demonstration.

Read More >>

Virtual Reality experience we produced for the ASCO 2016 conference.

View the Vr experience >>

Animation of glass lungs and the bronchial pathways inside.

View the animation >>

This 2-minute animation highlights product features for the first “smart” toothbrush, including new 3D
cleaning technology of the dynamic oscillating brush head design.

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At trade shows, you always want to present something that’s cool in order to get the attention of passersby. Whether it is real-time 3D using the Oculus rift, stereoscopid 3D or Leap Motion, Hybrid can develop the technology for your product.

Contact us to discuss custom experience >>

Hybrid is working daily on projects that involve some aspect of leap motion, real-time 3D, virtual reality experience and/or augmentation. As immersive content and the latest emerging technologies become an every-day reality, our goal is to continue leading the way with our dedication to excellence, our artistic approach, and experience.

View the reel >>

We’ve brought together some of our favorite device-related work, featuring segments from projects we have produced over the past couple of years.

View the reel >>

View the animation >>

The client’s challenge: using one fluid, dynamic camera move, “zoom into the eye and through the body in a way that will be intentionally vague overall — yet still have a couple of recognizable stops along the way.”

Rendered specially for a giant 26′ x 5′ screen, the animation was featured in an immersive geodesic dome installation.

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This 4-minute animation showcases the versatile design and broad indications of the Megavac and details how it separates
itself from the competition with the ability to be used for multiple applications.

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Hybrid is on location for a project that will combine live action footage with CGI animation. This live-action shoot will be entirely on green-screen allowing us the ability to digitally reproduce the environment the actors are in. The environment can be anything from a sunny park, the surface of the moon, or in a micro environment.

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Illustrations and MOA animation created for medical food that addresses diminished cerebral glucose metabolism (DCGM),
a critical aspect of  Alzheimer’s disease that leaves the brain thirsty for energy.

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We’re excited to bring a unique new look for the front end of our website with looping movies created especially for the homepage.

Cycle through the four perfect loops by using the nodes in the upper right corner.

View Homepage >>

A view of a transcytosis underway.

In this depiction, we’ve developed our own hand-drawn cel-shading technique…

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Title sequence – “Ebola Exposed” aired November 22 and created for Discovery Channel UK.

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Hybrid collaborated with VML (and client) to produce The Science of G, a new Gatorade product line.

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One of six cancer cell illustrations for large-scale trade show displays.

Also an entry into the Medical Illustrator’s Sourcebook.

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This 3D interactive scene explains the puzzle of the HIV virus, its life cycle, and
how it reproduces itself in the host.

View life cycle >>

View animation >>

A visual study/exploration of the human heart.

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View full illustration>>

Close-up illustration of a head louse. The strands of hair help understand how large head lice really are.

View the short animation here >>

Part of a large series of illustrations and animations created for a client. We’ve taken a couple of pieces from that project and created this art for the 2011 Medical Illustrator’s Sourcebook page and other promotional purposes.

View Full Double Page Spread >>

An animated reveal of human anatomy.

We wanted to show the complexity and beauty of the human body
by blending between various passes and render styles.

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This is a sequence from a 3-minute animation that examines a unique formulation for building an effective therapy using the latest in nanotechnology, including monomers that organize into a controlled, self-assembling nanotube.

We worked very closely with our clients to deliver a detailed, accurate visualization of key attributes such as nanotube morphology, organization of dimers, and overall formation of the lanreotide nanotube.

View Full Project >>

Collaborating with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, we came up with a way
to combine specific 3D renderings of chemical structures into photographs
depicting “everyday life” scenarios.

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Animation produced for inclusion into the
Women’s Health area on the Mayo Clinic website.

Part of a series of animations where we have collaborated
with the Mayo Clinic Staff to help achieve a more high-end look to their animations.

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This 2-minute animation examines the unique formulation
of Biotrue™, its ability to match the pH of healthy tears, and the
benefits of keeping tear proteins active.

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Frustrated by the limitations of a traditional product video shoot, our client
called on us to create a functioning photoreal 3D model of the Biocor tissue valve.

This allowed for far more dynamic camera moves and the ability to focus
more clearly on unique product features, such as the flexible stent,
composite construction, and unique shield design.

View Animation >>

With breakthroughs in science animation, Hybrid has helped people envision the
unobservable and the difficult-to-grasp for nearly ten years. With their latest
innovation, it’s you who reveals the beauty in science.

The Hybrid Interactive Heart animation offers viewers a hands-on, completely unique
experience in science visualization and conceptualization.

View Full Project >>