Speaker: Janet Iwasa, Assistant Professor, Biochemistry Department, University of Utah, School of Medecine
Title: Animating Biology
Abstract: Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of 3D animation to depict molecular processes. Much of this growth has been made possible by recent advances in imaging technologies and methodologies. We have now accumulated diverse datasets that describe molecular structures, dynamics, functions, interactions and localization with increasing clarity and confidence, allowing researchers to construct detailed hypotheses or mental models of molecular processes that synthesize these data. As a molecular animator, I use software from the entertainment industry to create animations that depict a specific molecular hypothesis. During this presentation, I will share a number of insights drawn from over a decade of experience creating molecular animations with numerous research collaborators on diverse molecular topics. I will describe the workflow my group members and I have developed for creating a molecular animation and share some observations we have made on how the animation process can help researchers refine and explore their hypotheses. I will also demonstrate how 3D animation can be particularly beneficial for understanding and describing dynamic and complex molecular machines and large molecular assemblies within the context of the cell. Molecular animations have also made their way into the educational and public stages, and have proven to be useful for engaging diverse audiences. Finally, I will discuss the importance of broad scientific communication and describe various outreach projects we have undertaken.
For more information about this seminar and about joining in online, please contact Hyacinth Camillieri at hcamillieri@gc.cuny.edu