CPRG stories

The wonderful, fluorescent, massive world of tiny, invisible things: Creating transformative science stories for children. A FASS, FoS, FEIT collaboration.

Aims

To explore how applying hybrid documentary and 3D animation techniques to the imaging data of research scientists using advanced microscopy technology at UTS can generate Australian science narratives with significant public engagement. To encourage young people, particularly young women, to become more excited about Australian Science and to consider STEM careers.

Context/background

The project brings together award-winning filmmakers and animators from Media Arts and Production/FASS and some of Australia’s most ground-breaking research scientists working within the Microbial Imaging Facility (MIF) in the faculties of Science (FoS) and Engineering and IT (FEIT) at UTS. The work of these scientists involves high-resolution 3D imaging of micro-organisms, reef coral fluorescent tissues, spheroids, organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems that mimic human tissues. These microscopic organisms, cells and engineered miniature tissues – while scientifically world-changing - remain to the public, both unknown and unseen.

Methodology

The collaboration will produce short hybrid animated documentary films metamorphosing a scientist’s innovative research, point of view, passion, identity and impact with the microscopic object of their investigations. It is somewhat like the hybrid documentary Creature Comforts but focuses more on anthropomorphising the tiny life forms using 3D animation. This enables scientists to inhabit and merge with the invisible form they illuminate, research and analyse, bringing to life the vivid, fluorescent 3D images and videos they create during their research. The scientific data is thus narrativised and animated within the story world from which it emerges (e.g., a coral reef) to the research setting to which it is applied (e.g., a brain). For example, Dr Anya Salih, one of Australia’s leading coral fluorescence and biomedical imaging scientists, is represented by the animated anthropomorphised, narrativised invisible creature she is researching, such as the genetically encodable fluorescent proteins from corals which have revolutionised cell biology, cancer and neurological research. 

MIF & MAP Teams

A/Prof. Louise Cole (Director of the MIF) and Dr Amy Bottomley (Imaging Scientist, MIF) are experts in advanced microscopy techniques that allow 3D volume imaging of various microbiological, biological and biomedical samples. They will work closely with MIF research scientists and be responsible for identifying, translating and producing 3D image data. They will also ensure that all aspects of science translation are coherent, fact-checked and impactful.

Prof. Rachel Landers, head of MAP, FASS, will work closely with Louise and the MIF team, workshopping content with scientists, creating narrative scripts, overseeing editing and guiding the delivery of creative production milestones. MAP FASS Animation academics Matthew Gidney and Deborah Cameron will be responsible for the anthropomorphisation, visualisation methodology, generation of authentic animated characters from the 3D microscopic image data, and building story worlds in which they exist.

UTS Scientists

Dr. Carmine Gentile, a PharmD/PhD and FAHA, is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering and heads the Cardiovascular Regeneration Group at UTS. His research focuses on creating miniature heart tissues, often called "mini-hearts," by combining cells and gels in a laboratory setting. These mini-hearts can be customised using a patient's cells, serving as valuable tools for drug testing and even as transplantable heart tissues when produced with a 3D bioprinter. To gain insights into how these tissues function at the molecular, cellular, and extracellular levels, Dr. Gentile's team relies on microscopy-based techniques. This approach helps them understand and address heart disease more effectively. For instance, Dr. Gentile's research has pinpointed the molecules and cells responsible for heart failure after a heart attack or cancer therapy, shedding light on ways to prevent and treat these conditions. More recently, they've shown how cells organise within a 3D bio-printed patch, which can protect against heart failure after transplantation. These mini-hearts offer new possibilities for preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, a significant health issue in Australia.

Dr. Yan Liao, PhD, holds the Chancellor’s Research Fellow and Lecturer position at the Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, Faculty of Science. With over a decade of expertise in the field, she specialises in studying the cell biology of Archaea, a group of microorganisms representing one of the three fundamental lineages of life on Earth, alongside Bacteria and Eukarya. Her current research is centred on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that enable archaeal cells to survive, adapt, and divide in highly challenging environmental conditions. Dr. Liao's work enhances our understanding of archaeal biology and provides valuable insights into the broader principles of life's evolution. Furthermore, her research holds promise for future applications in areas like waste management, agriculture, and biotechnology, where Archaea can play a crucial role.

Dr. Anya Salih is an Honorary Visiting Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection in the Faculty of Science. She has over 13 years of experience leading the Bioimaging confocal microscopy facility at Western Sydney University, where she served as a senior research scientist and facility manager. Dr. Salih's work primarily involves utilising laser confocal microscopes to delve into cellular processes in reef corals and various organisms. Her research explores diverse aspects, including the role of coral fluorescent proteins in optimising light, enhancing coral resilience in the face of climate change, and investigating applications in diseases and cancer. Dr. Salih extends the reach of her research by creating data, microscopic 3D images, and videos, which are incorporated into outreach projects, media, and collaborations with artists and filmmakers in installations and AR/VR films. She has shared her research at numerous public events, festivals, and museums. For over 15 years, Dr. Salih has partnered with Lynette Wallworth, a renowned Emmy award-winning installation artist and film director. In this capacity, she has acted as a scientific advisor and provided film and images for a range of Lynette's works, including notable projects like "Coral Rekindling Venus" and "Awavena," which have been showcased at nearly 100 venues worldwide, spanning museums, festivals, and other events.

Claire Richards is a third-year PhD candidate investigating a severe pregnancy complication, preeclampsia, a leading cause of death in pregnant women and their babies. The cause of preeclampsia likely comes from issues with the placenta, the organ responsible for nutrient and gas exchange between a mother and her baby. Historically, it has been challenging to study pregnancy in humans, so Claire has been growing cells from the placenta in three-dimensional cultures (‘mini placentas’ or organoids) to understand how preeclampsia develops and might be treated.’