
Sickle cell vaso-occlusion
Nov 02, 2020Here inside this blood vessel, the circulation of red blood cells is obstructed by sickled red blood cells aggregating, sticking together, and leading to an event known as a vaso-occlusive crisis — a central characteristic of sickle cell disease (SCD)
As we zoom out, we are able to see more damage being done in other microvessels.
Sickled red blood cells promote inflammation, obstruct the vasculature, injure the endothelium, and may lead to ischemic damage in vital organs.
Tagged: anemia, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, blood flow, cells, HbS polymerization, hemoglobin S, hemolysis, hybrid medical, hybrid medical animation, inflammation, ischemic damage, medical animation, pharma, rbc, red blood cells, SCD damage, scientific animation, sickle cell, sickle cell animation, sickle cell awareness, sickle cell disease, sickle cell warrior, vascular, vaso-occlusion, vessel, visual science

The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
Jan 15, 20211.5-minute animation created for CME event.
Our assignment included the development of the science story and creation of key events that would inform and educate viewers on the physiologic functions associated with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the role of CB1 retrograde signaling, as well as the enzymes involved in the degradation of endocannabinoids.
We had the pleasure and honor of collaborating closely with the speaker of this event; she is also noted for her discovery of the CB1 receptor for cannabinoid agonists.
The target audience included neurologists, primary care physicians, and pediatricians.
Tagged: anandamide, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, cannabinoid animation, cannabis, CB1, CB1 and CB2 receptors, ECS, endocannabinoid system, endocannabinoids, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualization, Minneapolis Minnesota, pharma, phytocannabinoids, presynaptic neuron, retrograde signaling, science visuals, scientific animation

Targeting DNA methylation
Mar 04, 2021Sequence from project that provides insight on the role aberrant DNA methylation has in the abnormalities responsible for cancer cell growth, especially hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
In this sequence, we begin with a view of “normal” DNA methylation, and then change to a view of hypermethylation underway.
Eventually, decitabine – a hypomethylating agent – can be seen moving into place and blocking DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), leading to the degradation of DNMT and eventual hypomethylation.
Targeting DNA methylation with DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) acts to reprogram tumor cells to a more normal-like state.
Tagged: aberrant DNA methylation patterns, abnormal methylation, biomedical communications, biotech, cancer, cedazuridine, cytidine deaminase, decitabine, DNA, DNA methylation, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, DNMT degradation, epigenetic cancer therapy, gene expression, genetic mutations, genetics, hematological malignancies, histones, hybrid medical, hypermethylation, hypomethylating agents, hypomethylation, leukemia, medical animation, medical marketing, nucleosome, oncology, scientific animation

The healing power of sleep
May 17, 2021Sequence from immersive 1.5-minute 360° animation where we explore the benefits of sleep.
Here within the neural microspace of the brain, we depict the “cleansing system” of the brain: the glymphatic system.
Just like the rest of your body, the brain accumulates waste. Recent discoveries have shown that cerebral spinal fluid “flushes” debris and metabolic toxins out of the neural microspace during the deep sleep phase.
We also watch the heart beating (and lungs breathing) inside the chest cavity and discuss the role of sleep in reducing your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Tagged: 360 animation, benefits of sleep, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, daytime sleepiness, glymphatic system, healing power of sleep, hybrid medical, importance of sleep, insufficient sleep, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualization, Minneapolis Minnesota, pharma, poor sleep, science visuals, scientific animation, sleep animation, sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, sleeplessness, WebMD animation

Medications for type 2 diabetes
Jan 12, 2022Patient education animations created for WebMD that explore common medications for type 2 diabetes.
Because each treatment works in a unique way, our task was to bring three medications to life, creating an easy-to-understand mechanism of action story for each science story.
The three medications highlighted on the WebMD website: Metformin, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and SGLT2 Inhibitors.
These are selected segments from the larger productions.
Tagged: biology class, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes awareness, diabetes community, diabetes life, diabetes prevention, dpp4 inhibitor, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical visualisation, metformin, patient education, science art, science visuals, scientific animation, sglt2 inhibitor, type 2 diabetes, visual effects

The pathophysiology of sickle cell disease
Jan 15, 2022Segment from a 4-minute animation that explores the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and the progressive, tissue-damaging effects of chronic hemolysis and anemia.
Our assignment: visually depict several key critical aspects of the SCD story, such as hemoglobin S (HbS) polymerization, red blood cell sickling and tethering, vaso-occlusion, and chronic hemolysis.
Sickled red blood cells promote inflammation, obstruct the vasculature, injure the endothelium, and may lead to ischemic damage in vital organs.
Tagged: anemia, biology, biomedical communications, biotech, blood flow, HbS polymer formation, HbS polymerization, hemoglobin S, hemolysis, hybrid medical, intravascular hemolysis, medical animation, medical marketing, pharma, SCD damage, scientific animation, sickle cell, sickle cell anemia, sickle cell awareness, sickle cell disease, sickle cell warrior, vascular, vaso-occlusion, visual science

4D Theater “Ride the Rails” Experience
Jul 11, 2017A few selected segments from an 8-minute animation produced specially for client’s trade show “4D Multisensory” installation.
The 3D interactive ride was featured at the ATS International Conference, the home of pulmonary, critical care and sleep professionals. Attendees experienced a stereoscopic, 3D monorail-style journey through two “branded” cities, learning more about two different patient therapies for COPD.
The XD Theater Experience is a self-contained, motion-simulated, stereoscopic 3D interactive ride often implemented for high-end, media-based trade show attractions.
Tagged: 4D Multisensory, ATS International Conference, COPD, critical care, hybrid medical, interactive ride, mechanism of action, medical animation, pulmonary, science education, science visuals, scientific animation, sleep professionals, stereoscopic, stereoscopic 3D, trade show, tradeshow, XD Theater Experience

CD38 antibodies inducing cell death
Feb 20, 2022The monoclonal antibody has become instrumental for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
In this sequence, monoclonal antibodies are seen targeting CD38, a protein commonly expressed on the surface of cancerous plasma cells.
Activation of the complement system triggers the formation of pores in the cellular membrane, leading to cell death.
A goal for this sequence was to explore a visual approach that resembled a deep sea look & feel, including planktonic soft-bodied organisms and other invertebrate animals that live near the ocean floor.
Tagged: antibodies, antibody, antigen, biology class, blood cancer, cancer, CD38, CD38 antibodies, hybrid medical, immune system, mAb, medical animation, medical illustration, medical marketing, medical visualization, monoclonal, multiple myeloma, myeloid, pharmaceutical animation, science, science art, science visuals, scientific animation

New hybrid promotional reel
Nov 01, 2017We are excited to release our new demo reel!
A collection of some of our favorite and latest work, featuring segments from medical animation projects we have produced over the past couple of years.
Tagged: demo reel, hybrid medical, medical animation, moa, pharma, promotional reel, science education, science visuals, scientific animation

Pneumonia infection
Feb 20, 2022Deep in the lungs, we can see the clusters of tiny air sacs — the alveoli — becoming inflamed and filling with pus, making it difficult to breathe.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi.
Tagged: alveoli, anatomy, biology, hybrid medical, influenza animation, lung anatomy, lung health, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualisation, Minneapolis Minnesota, pneumonia, pneumonia animation, pneumonia awareness, Pneumonia Day, pneumonia sucks, pneumonia vaccination, pneumonia vaccine, pulmonary, science, science visuals, scientific animation

Protecting against concussions
Dec 28, 2017A couple of excerpts from a video production that explores a new advancement in preventing brain injury; specifically, the occurrence of brain injury caused by a concussive blow to the head.
The Q-Collar, developed by Q30 Innovations, assists the body’s own physiology, creating a “bubble-wrap” effect for the brain.
One key visual component of this project involved working closely with the client to execute their concept of slosh mitigation.
Tagged: brain injury, concussion, hybrid medical, medical animation, science art, science visuals, scientific animation

Diabetic nephropathy & chronic kidney disease
Feb 21, 2022A few frames from animation that depicts the progression of diabetic nephropathy, a driver of chronic kidney disease in people with diabetes.
Here in the glomerulus, the images show progressive damage to the tubules, damage to podocytes (including loss of them), and scarring as a result of mesangial cells excreting extracellular matrix.
The last image depicts contracted, granular kidneys from long-term hypertension.
Animation was created for client’s episode on chronic kidney disease and the relationship between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced CKD.
Tagged: anatomy art, biomedical communications, biotech, bowman’s capsule, chronic kidney disease, CKD, diatbetic nephropathy, digital health, extracellular matrix, glomerular disease, glomerular hyperfiltration, hybrid medical, medical animation, medical art, medical marketing, medical visualization, mesangial cells, Minneapolis Minnesota, nephrology, podocytes, scientific animation

Experience Virtual Inflammation in the Vive
Jan 02, 2018VR experience examining the pathogenesis and inflammatory cycle of psoriatic arthritis.
What does virtual reality provide that a linear video cannot? For this MOA, we immerse the viewer into the inflammatory cycle of psoriatic arthritis and reiterate the story in a non-linear fashion — allowing users the ability to roam around and explore as they wish.
Tagged: ARVRinEDU, biology, ed tech, hybrid medical, immune system, immunology, immunotherapy, Interactive, medical VR, mixed reality, psoriatic arthritis, science education, science visuals, scientific animation, virtual reality, vive, VR

Attacking pathogens with biodefense technology
Feb 22, 2022Animation created for the Synexis BioDefense System, a cutting-edge device that converts naturally occurring oxygen and humidity in the air to Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), otherwise known as DHP™.
This unique molecule works continuously to attack the mold, bacteria and viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) that hide in any type of indoor space.
Our job was to visualize the breakdown and conversion of particles to be converted into DHP, as well as show how DHP molecules are drawn to and destroy various types of viruses, bacteria and mold.
We collaborated closely with our client regarding how the DHP engages with (and destroys) each kind of pathogen, as well as behavior of subatomic particles in the breakdown-and-conversion process inside the catalyst space.
For the complete video, visit synexis.com
Tagged: bacteria, bioart, biodefense, continuous clean, DHP, Dry hydrogen peroxide, health & wellness, hybrid medical, Innovative technology, medical animation, medical marketing, medical visualisation, microbes, microbiology, mold, naturally safe, science, science art, science visuals, scientific animation, Synexis, virology, viruses, visual effects

Immunotherapy in lung cancer
Feb 15, 2018Activated T cells of the immune system targeting and destroying tumor cells. Once lysis occurs, the T cell moves to another cancer cell and repeats the process.
Sequence created for program that explores the impact of immunotherapies for lung cancer.
Tagged: biology, cancer, hybrid medical, immune system, immunology, immunotherapy, killer cells, medical animation, science visuals, scientific animation, tumor cells

mAb targeting multiple myeloma
Feb 22, 2022Sequence from 5-minute MOA that provides insight and details for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed to induce programmed tumor cell death (apoptosis) and immunomodulatory activity.
For this mechanism of action video, our task was to create a science story that would depict several key features: how the mAb finds and binds to myeloma cells and exposes them for elimination, how it boosts cells of the immune system, and how this targeted immunotherapy can kill myeloma cells directly.
Tagged: antibody, biomedical communications, biotech, blood cancer, cancer, cancer immunotherapy, cancer treatment, CD38, hybrid medical, immunotherapy, leukemia, lymphoma, medical animation, medical marketing, monoclonal antibodies, multiple myeloma, myeloid, myeloma awareness, oncology, scientific animation, visual science

Let the phlegm fly!
Jul 08, 2018Micro-landscape view of respiratory cells, an accumulating layer of mucus, and Bordetella pertussis bacteria releasing toxins.
A coughing event is occurring here, displacing mucus, the bacteria, and debris.
Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads simply through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person.
Tagged: biology, bordetella pertussis bacteria, hybrid medical, microbiology, mucus, respiratory cells, science visuals, scientific animation, whooping cough

A CAR T-cell therapy targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)
Apr 21, 2022A few selected segments from a 6-minute animation created for a first-in-class B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed personalized immunotherapy called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy.
In this CAR T therapy, the T cells are engineered to target a protein called BCMA, which is found in abundance on multiple myeloma cells, but is absent from nearly all normal cells.
Tagged: (CAR) T-cell therapy, antigens, biology, biotechnology, cancer, cancer research, cancer treatment, CAR T, CAR T cell animation, CAR T therapy, CAR T-cell animation, car-t cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor, chimeric antigen receptor animation, gene therapy, hybrid medical, immune health, immunotherapy, medical animation, Medical science, medical visualisation, pharma, scientific animation, T cells, visual science

New sensor technology that measures glucose levels in diabetes
Dec 14, 2018Excerpt from animation elaborating on the science behind a new sensor technology that measures glucose levels in diabetes. The benefit of the device: no daily finger prick, and testing of glucose levels in a less painful and more efficient manner. Pretty cool.
In this sequence, we zoom down to the surface of the flexible filament to get a closer look at the micro cross-linked polymer matrix environment. As the camera travels through the matrix, glucose molecules can be seen landing, leading to signaling down the length of the cross-linked polymer chain, and reaching the floor of the sensor electrode.
Tagged: blood glucose, blood glucose control, blood glucose levels, diabetes, diabetics, hybrid medical, medical animation, science visuals, scientific animation

Fat cell enlargement & type 2 diabetes
Apr 22, 2022Fat cell enlargement in obesity is related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
In this sequence, we travel into the visceral fat and see an active environment – teeming with overstressed, damaged fat cells, vasculature, and immune cells.
Stress on these hypertrophic adipocytes results in lipid spillover (fatty acid release) into the circulation, as well as proinflammatory cytokine release and immune cell recruitment.
Tagged: adipocyte animation, adipocytes, adipose tissue disfunction, diabetes, diabetes 2, diabetes animation, diabetes prevention, fat cell animation, fat cell enlargement, fat cells, hybrid medical, hypertrophic adipocytes, hypertrophic adipose expansion, hypertrophic fat cells, medical animation, medical illustration, medical visualisation, scientific animation, type 2, type 2 diabetes