2020 SCS Science Image Challenge

Main Category
Fatal Coronavirus Spike Forest

Winner - Main Category

Fatal Coronavirus Spike Forest: SARS-COV2 fuses to and enters human cells upon binding of its spike proteins to human receptors. Our simulation model captures a realistic representation of spike proteins and their dynamics on the surface of the coronavirus (rendered with VMD)

Author: Tianle Chen, Tajkhorshid Lab, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Beckman Institute

 

Main Category Finalists

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The colors of Fall. Presented is a cross-polarized microscopy image of a crystallized polymeric material that is used to fabricate organic solar cells using solution printing. With increasing concentration of polymer solution, molecules start to aggregate and eventually form these crystalline aggregates that look like branches of a tree upon solvent evaporation. Authors: Azzaya Khasbaatar, Diao Lab, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Nanodiamond. A false colored SEM image of gold nanoparticles in a bipyramidal shape. The gold nanostructures exhibit five-fold symmetry along longitudinal axis. The nanoparticles have 10 facets and sharp tips, resembling the shape of diamonds. The longitudinal diameter of the nanoparticles is around 100 nm, transversal diameter is around 30 nm. Authors: Yiming Wang, Lu Group, Department of Chemistry
Resilience in the Darkness. Processed, confocal fluorescence image showing human lung differentiation. Epithelial cells recovered from aerosol exposure and differentiated into goblet (green), ciliated (orange) and club (red) cells. Nuclei stained in blue. I hope this image encourages everyone during COVID-19 pandemic. Our cells bounce back. So do we! Authors: Huei-Huei Chang, Murphy Lab, Department of Chemistry
Molecular Machinery II. Proteins are nature’s machines and are responsible for all biological processes. Shown here, the translocation of serotonin into the neuron is facilitated by the membrane protein, the serotonin transporter. The use of molecular dynamics simulations provides an atomistic resolution to uncover how these elusive molecular machines can be regulated. Authors: Matthew Chan, Shukla Lab, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Apocalypse within serenity. Presented here is a color-corrected scanning electron micrograph of a multilayered semiconductor thin film with carbon tape used to minimize charging effects. Layered film looks like a peaceful ocean surface reflecting serene sky, juxtaposed against the explosion of rugged carbon tape structure. Author: Aastha Sharma, Vura-Weis Lab, Department of Chemistry

 

Cover Art Category
Star strategy shows sense

Winner - Cover Art Category

Star strategy shows sense: The cover image depicts an artistic representation of star-shaped DNA nanostructures binding to the surface of dengue virus particles in a polyvalent, pattern-matching fashion for rapid/sensitive diagnosis and potent inhibition of viral infections.

Winner Xing Wang Lab, Department of Chemistry
Image Credits: Xing Wang (Department of Chemistry) and Tulsi Voralia (Senior Art Editor-Nature Research)