The image represents specifically labelled green fluorescent protein (GFP) positive neurons in CA1 region of dorsal Hippocampus in mice brain. This region of the brain is related to memory consolidation process and retrieval of memories. The picture represents only half hemisphere of the brain, while the cortex starts from left and ventral part of brain is in right. This image represents the neurons activated during fear behavior. The virus injection has spread from Lateral Habenula (nearby region) to CA1 region of Hippocampus, giving it a beautiful shape of Broccoli.

Meet Sanjakumar Jariwala is currently a postdoc at Biotech Research & Innovation Centre at University of Copenhagen. Former PhD student at DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. 

The image is a watercolour and ink painting, A4 size. I love drawing and I like to combine that with my love for science, which sometimes gives some interesting and unexpected outputs! The drawing represents a synapse between two neurons (presynaptic side on the right with vesicles fusing to the membrane and releasing neurotransmitter molecules to the synaptic cleft, postsynaptic side to the left with a darkened postsynaptic density region). The reaching hands symbolize the moment in which two possibilities are present: holding or releasing; or in synaptic terms, the possibility that this synaptic connection is strengthened or weakened depending on the neurons’ activity.

In my project, I am studying the mechanisms of natural forgetting in the context of learning and memory, with an emphasis on relating these processes to long term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) of synaptic strength. It is well established that the strengthening of synaptic connections is related to memory formation, however very little is known about forgetting.

I was inspired by the concept of the reaching hands from “The creation of Adam” by Michelangelo, and by the canonical representation of a synapse.

More of Andrea Moreno’s artwork is available on: www.amscienceart.com

Andrea Moreno is currently an Assistant Professor at Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology and affiliated to DANDRITE at Aarhus University.

An inspiration to create this image came from my PhD project, in which I used two fluorescent dyes, characterized by beautiful pink and blue color, to label an enzyme molecule. To create the image, I filled up a transparent container with water and I used a macro lens to capture drops of fluorescent dye. The white background of the image is actually a light bulb located directly behind the container, backlighting the drops. To increase sharpness of the drops in the picture, I mixed the fluorescent dyes with glycerol, which reduces diffusion of the drops in water. The picture is flipped vertically for an artistic effect.

Mateusz Dyla is currently a Senior Scientist at Novonesis. Former postdoc at DANDRITE, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. 

The image was created by Ben Micklem in Oxford who was working in my group. This image shows a 3D reconstruction of a neuron type - composed by a cell body, dendritic and axonal processes- in the rodent amygdala that we have discovered in our research. The name of this neuron type is a giant intercalated neuron, and this cell communicates with other neurons by releasing the neurotransmitter GABA. Most of the axonal branches (yellow lines) project near the cell body but some axonal branches also reach far away cortical areas. This challenges a dogma because GABAergic neurons tend to communicate only with other neurons nearby. In contrast, this GABAergic neuron type communicates also with neurons located in other brain areas, such as the cortex.

Marco Capogna is a former Professor and Affiliated Researcher at DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. Marco Capogna unfortunately passed away in 2022 – he was very creatively talented both at drawing and musically.

Protein purification is a common technique in many protein chemistry labs. My picture is an artistic representation of a final stage of this process, i.e. purified protein dripping down from a purifier. I used a 3D-printed model of a protein to visualize this concept. I used a syringe and purifier connectors to control the size and position of a water drop, and I placed the protein model directly behind the drop. This resulted in refraction of the model in the drop, looking as if it was contained within the drop. I used a macro lens to capture the picture, and the background was the actual out-of-focus protein model.

Mateusz Dyla is currently a Senior Scientist at Novonesis. Former postdoc at DANDRITE, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. 

The picture is made with watercolors. I study the blood-brain barrier and drug delivery across this. The image shows what meets the drug on the other side of the blood-brain barrier. It is really fascinating what the brain is able to handle and how the brain cells communicate. My idea behind the image was to illustrate the complexity of the connections between cells.

Sarah Christine Christensen is currently a Senior scientist in Translational Imaging at Novo Nordisk A/S. Former PhD student at DANDRITE, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. 

Pencil and watercolor on paper.

When an idea germinates - an artistic interpretation. The illustration represents the very first beginning of an idea originating from the depth of our brain. Perhaps the idea will perish and be forgotten. Perhaps it will grow bigger, branch out and give rise to new ideas. Perhaps it will grow old and turn into wisdom.

Mette Richner is currently an AC-TAP at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University and holds a PhD in neuroscience. Former Assistant Professor at DANDRITE, Department of Biomedicine - Neurobiology at Aarhus University. 

Acrylic on canvas and gold leaf.

The image represents a presynaptic terminal releasing neurotransmitter contained in vesicles, the effect of which is prevented by blocking arrival to the postsynaptic site. Spontaneous neurotransmitter release could be a way of weakening the synaptic connections that sustain memory.

More of Andrea Moreno’s artwork is available on: www.amscienceart.com

Andrea Moreno is currently an Assistant Professor at Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology and affiliated to DANDRITE at Aarhus University.

The painting portraits a synaptic connection between brain cells that is about to “bloom” to transmit a neural impulse. You can observe a synaptic bouton, which consists of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals. These terminals contain various proteins, sorting vesicles, and organelles that are continuously transported between the cell soma and the synaptic terminals. The fish symbolizes actin filaments and their structural dynamics, which is an active cytoskeletal system critical for synapse remodeling, plasticity, and signal transmission. Synapses are fundamental communication sites between brain cells. They are indispensable for all aspects of the brain function including learning and memory. Impaired synaptic biology can have detrimental consequences, leading to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, or even brain death.

Alena Salasova is currently an Assistant Professor at Department of Biomedicine – Neurobiology at Aarhus University

This light-sheet microscopy image captures an intact mouse embryo frozen in time and space. The fluorescent signal highlights every single motor neuron in the organism. Motor neurons are specialized cells that transmit impulses between the brain and muscles, allowing us to move, speak, and smile. By making the embryo transparent, we can trace and reconstruct motor nerve growth in 3D with high precision. Indeed, this approach enabled us to visualize developing motor neurons in intact wild-type and mutant embryos, allowing us to image, reconstruct and measure 19 distinct motor nerves with a precision of a few micrometers. Our findings were recently published in the scientific journal Cell Reports (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113333).

Embryonic development requires a detailed roadmap that guides cells to their final destinations, roles, and functions. Understanding these processes can help develop new therapies for various neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries.

Josef Lavicky is currently working at Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology; Brno Czech Republic. Alena Salasova is currently an Assistant Professor at Department of Biomedicine – Neurobiology at Aarhus University

Sperm is created in the seminiferous tubules of the testis via the sequential process of spermatogenesis, which converts germ cells into mature sperm containing concentrated nucleic matter, which holds genomic information. This process is dependent on the work of Sertoli cells within the tubules, which support and nourish the developing sperm cells. In this image, individual tubules are surrounded by basal lamina layers stained for smooth muscle actin (purple), Sertoli cells are stained for vimentin (yellow), and sperm cells and progenitors are identified by nuclear marker DAPI (white). From the edge of each tubule into its centre, it is possible to see the stages of spermatogenesis progress, culminating in an inner layer of bright white sperm cells ready to be shed: a circle of pre-life. The section was stained via immunohistochemistry and imaged on a Leica STELLARIS 8.

Silke Blair Chalmers is currently a postdoc at Department of Biomedicine – Neurobiology at Aarhus University.

This picture presents a custom-built microscope, equipped with three powerful lasers and accessories controlling their properties, including mirrors to direct laser beam paths. Such microscopes can be used to study proteins labeled with fluorescent dyes. The laser beam paths are typically not visible in the air, so I poured some ‘smoke’ from dry ice sublimation onto the microscope. This resulted in the laser beams being scattered by the small particles suspended in the air, revealing laser beam paths in their full glory. 

Mateusz Dyla is currently a Senior Scientist at Novonesis. Former postdoc at DANDRITE, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics - Neurobiology at Aarhus University.