2020 Online Salon
RNA-Based Oligonucleotide System for Genetic Tumor Analysis
Project Details
- Entrant Name: Melanie Connolly
- Membership Type: Professional Submission
- Address: Austin, Texas USA
- Client: NanoString Technologies
- Copyright: 2020 Melanie Connolly
- Medium/software used: Zbrush, 3DsMax, Photoshop
- Final presentation format: Journal Cover
- Primary Audience: Biotechnology Researchers & Technology Purchasing Stakeholders
Project Description
This proposed cover for Nature Biotechnology highlights the client’s technology for studying tumor samples. RNA oligonucleotide tags bind to all cells, with variances based on genetic identity. Using a tiny network of mirrors beneath the cancer slide, a researcher can choose to reflect light only on a particular morphological type of tissue. The tumor cells of interest are illuminated like city lights, encouraging a visiting spaceship to explore their planet. The light-activated RNA oligos are then cleaved from the bright tumor cells of interest and are vacuumed into a pipette tip (seen at edges) as though they are bemused cattle ready to be studied. The greatest challenge here was developing an eye-catching presentation that allows researchers who regularly view tumor stains to see their samples in a new “light,” increasing their interest in this new technology. The otherworldly technique ultimately gives the researcher bi-fold information, both morphological and genetic in nature.
