Animating Medicine
January 23, 2012 9:58 PM   Subscribe

Bioanimation companies like XVIVO, Hybrid Medical (Previously), Random42, Biolucid, Argosy Medical, and BioDigital have been doing beautiful work for hire, freely available to watch.

About XVIVO
Examples of their work:

JAK Pathway Signaling
Janus kinases (JAK) are enzymes that mediate signaling of several important drivers of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), other hematological malignancies and inflammatory diseases. There are four JAK enzymes: JAK1, 2, 3 and TYK2. Aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been documented in a variety of cancers. This clip features a selection from the full animation showing normal JAK pathway activation and downstream signaling.
Fc fusion Technology
Biogen Idec’s Fc fusion technology is used in FDA-approved drugs taken by thousands of patients for the long-term treatment of diseases such as adult and juvenile arthritis, low platelets and chronic psoriasis.
The Science of Milk
FrieslandCampina, a leading Dutch producer and exporter of dairy products in the Netherlands, sought a way to reveal the complex building blocks that make up milk’s rich science story. “Milk is one of nature’s richest sources of nutrients, but even though it seems simple, it is a fascinating and complex product full of unique molecules and interactions,” states Ruud J.W. Schoemaker, Senior Researcher at FrieslandCampina.
Türk Telekom, making the complex simple
Türk Telekom tasked XVIVO with creating a compelling story that was both informative and awe inspiring, highlighting Türk Telekom and its health web portal. The animation meets this challenge by visually conveying the infinite amounts of unique health data contained in our bodies. A number of anatomical systems and molecular statistics are revealed before pulling back to see that all this information is contained in one body.
Corynex Recombinant Protein Expression
This animation, developed for Ajinomoto, shows the expression and export of recombinant proteins from the Corynebacterium glutamicum. It illustrates both purification through the Sec and TAT pathways.
Recombinant Human Antithrombin
ATryn®, a recombinant form of human antithrombin, also known as ATIII, is at the forefront of transgenic technology for the production of biotherapeutics. Antithrombin is a plasma protein with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties that, like many other therapeutic proteins which are currently derived from the human blood supply, has been difficult to express using conventional recombinant protein production methods.
Powering the Cell: Mitochondria
Together Harvard University and XVIVO developed this 3D animation journey for Harvard’s undergraduate Molecular and Cellular Biology students about the microscopic world of mitochondria. The animation highlights the creation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) – mobile molecules which store chemical energy derived from the breakdown of carbon-based food. ATP molecules act as a kind of currency, imparting chemical energy to power all the functional components of cellular activity. (Previously)
Drug Manufacture and Delivery
Many pharmaceuticals create drugs out of a uniform batch of chemically-tailored molecules that are aggregated into pills with a binder, or dissolved in saline. Currently more innovative methods of drug delivery are being used. These designer drugs are composed of exotic bio-engineered compounds blended precisely together in various combinations, whether they be time-released, enteric resistant, or active and pro-drug mixes. A variety of these patented manufacturing and drug delivery methods are highlighted in many of our Mechanism of Action animations. From compounds assembling into microspheres, filtration through nanoscopic grids to detailed chromatography and time-dependent drug release, get a close up look at these microscopic methods in action in our sampler animation.
How an AIDS vaccine might work
This video, developed for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, demonstrates how an AIDS vaccine might work in the body. Created for IAVI’s presentation at the TED conference, February 2010, this video takes a look at the key players in the immune system and shows the anticipated immune response to HIV after vaccination.
Zirus Antivirotics, Condensed
Scientists at Zirus are working on a new technology platform to cure and manage viral infection through the development of new classes of antivirotics. This animation depicts the life cycle of H1N1 influenza-A virus and the methodology Zirus uses to find appropriate targets.
Medical Device Demo
From future technology to life saving procedures, this is a collection of animations from XVIVO’s medical device clients. DEKA’s revolutionary robotic arm, DARPA’s high tech trauma pod, and Philips cancer detection and treatment systems are among some of the concepts and products that are showcased.
Dengue Viral Fusion
This animation was an educational project for PBS TV which detailed the mechanism the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Virus uses to escape the capture vesicle that carries it into a human host cell, allowing it to infect that cell. (Previously)
Stem Cell Science
XVIVO created a series of depictions of stem cell science for Jessica Gerstle for a documentary film she produced on her father’s quadroplegia following a bike accident. These animations described making embryonic stem cells, and the processes of diversification that pluropotent cells undergo to become replacements for cells in tissues and organs that have sustained damage, either through injury or disease.
The Inner Life of the Cell
Harvard University selected XVIVO to develop an animation that would take their cellular biology students on a journey through the microscopic world of a cell, illustrating mechanisms that allow a white blood cell to sense its surroundings and respond to an external stimulus. This award winning piece was the first topic in a series of animations XVIVO is creating for Harvard’s educational website BioVisions at Harvard. (Previously)
Active Cellular Immunotherapy
Biotechnology company Dendreon Corporation, has developed what is believed to be a method for getting around prostate cancer’s ability to suppress the immune system’s cancer surveillance mechanisms. XVIVO visualized the mechanism of disease and also the proposed mechanism of action of a new class of drugs for fighting cancer’s immunosuppressant abilities.
Vibativ
GlaxoSmithKline commissioned XVIVO to create a mechanism of action animation for Theravance’s new class of antibiotic, Vibativ developed to stop serious MRSA infections in hospital settings. Vibativ works by preventing bacterial ribosomes from making proteins, which replicating bacteria require to effectively build new cell walls. Bacteria will run out of cell wall material in the replication process effectively killing them.
IEED
XVIVO collaborated on this animation which was developed for 3D stereo projection. This mechanism of disease video depicts Involuntary Emotional Expression Disorder or IEED, a syndrome which can affect people with brain damage caused by conditions ranging from physical injury to medical trauma and diseases.
HuLuc 63
PDL BioPharma asked XVIVO to show how a novel humanized antibody, HuLuc 63, appears to induce anti-tumor effects by binding to a protein that is only expressed on the surface of myeloma cells. This initiates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity that kills myeloma cells and leaves healthy cells intact.
Fentora
XVIVO worked along side Palio Communications to create a mechanism of action animation for Fentora. Fentora is a pill which contains the opiate painkiller fentanyl, combined with an effervescent compound, that enables the drug to efficiently traverse the mucosa of the patient’s cheek and go directly and effectively into the blood stream, blocking the sudden breakthrough pain in individuals who suffer from chronic pain already being suppressed by medication.
Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
These clips, from a project discussing the mechanisms of disease of Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), depict micro-anatomy of the bowel from the level of microvilli which cover the bowel surface, down to the traffic of ions and proteins absorbed and secreted through specialized tight junction structures that bind villus surface cells together.
DARPA-Future Soldier
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) principal investigator, Rick Satava, M.D. and XVIVO partnered in preparing this animation. The animation was integrated into a proposal seeking funding for an ambitious development program that would eventually see the deployment of autonomous casualty retrieval and surgical robots that will accompany US troops in future urban combat environments.


About Hybrid Medical,
Examples of their work:

Anatomy Reveal
An animated reveal of human anatomy. We wanted to show the complexity and beauty of the human body by blending between various passes and render styles.
Nanotube technology MOA
This 3-minute animation examines Somatuline Autogel, a unique formulation for building and delivering effective therapy. Engineered to provide a rapid therapeutic response and extended delivery, Somatuline Autogel is a one-of-a-kind formulation with sustained control. Using the latest in nanotechnology, Somatuline monomers organize into a controlled, self-assembling nanotube.
Anti-Drug Antibodies
Short depiction of immunogenicity, an immune response raised by the body to a therapeutic drug that results in the development of anti-drug antibodies. As anti-TNF antibodies bind to and remove TNFa, anti-drug antibodies begin binding anti-TNF antibodies not bound to TNFa. Anti-drug antibodies may lead to unwanted drug clearance and shorter duration of response. Part of a series of animations and other module content developed for an iPad application.
Acid-producing parietal cells
Ovulation
Animation produced for inclusion into the Women’s Health area on the Mayo Clinic website. Part of a series of animations where we have collaborated with the Mayo Clinic Staff to help achieve a more high-end look to their animations.
Hypertension DVD
A close collaboration between Hybrid, Experts in Health and Distant Object Productions resulted in a comprehensive educational DVD for patients and healthcare professionals on the subject of Hypertension. The project involved a wide range of visual media including 3D animation, patient interviews, as well as an in-depth Keynote presentation that was part of a larger stage production in front of a live audience. By making this complex subject matter clear and interesting to follow, the first audience survey for this film revealed that 85% of patients who watched this video said it helped them decide to make changes in their lives.
Battling fungi, bacteria
This 3 minute animation examines the mechanism of action of Serenade® and the compounds that create multiple modes of action, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of fungi and bacteria.
Macrophage engulfing pathogens
T-cells attacking tumor cells
This scene shows several activated T cells attacking rapidly dividing cancer cells of a growing tumor. The activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T cells are critical for immune-mediated tumor destruction. Recent scientific advances have reignited interest in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
Antigenic Shift
Only the influenza Type-A virus is capable of what is known as antigenic shift. The current flu in circulation is an entirely new, mutated pathogen formed from elements of human, pig, and avian virus strains. Overflowing with mutated viruses, the respiratory epithelial host cells of the pig eventually burst open and circulate the new flu virus into the susceptible human population.
Reducing insulin resistance
This 5-minute animation examines the mechanism of action for a type of medication that helps to reduce insulin resistance. This opening sequence discusses the unique response to selective PPAR modulators and the resulting activation or repression of different genes that lead to distinct biological responses.
Cholesterol and Micelles
This 6-minute animation discusses how simultaneous inhibition of both intestinal absorption and hepatic synthesis can lower LDL-cholesterol levels in a complementary manner. This segment focuses on how cholesterol is absorbed in the small intestine and inserts into micelles, which interact with enterocytes on the villi of the intestinal wall.


About Random42,
Examples of their work:

Multiple Sclerosis (Low resolution)
The development of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves cells of the immune system crossing the blood-barrier into the central nervous system (CNS), where they can promote inflammation, tissue damage and ultimately neurodegeneration. This medical animation details the development of MS and highlights the need for therapeutic agents that prevent neurodegeneration and induce CNS repair.
Angiogenesis (Low resolution)
Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels form within the body. In cancer, factors can be released that promote the formation of blood vessels in and around a tumor, supplying it with its own blood supply. The presence of these blood vessels is often correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with cancer. This medical animation describes the structure of these new blood vessels and some of the issues associated with tumor angiogenesis. It forms part of a larger web based project that Random42 developed to increase the awareness of cancer driven angiogenesis.
Improving the efficacy of therapeutic agents (Low resolution)
Proteins and peptides can be used as therapeutic agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, their efficacy is often compromised by their rapid clearance from the body. To help overcome this issue, polymers have been conjugated to such therapeutic agents that promote stability and reduce clearance. This medical animation details the use of such a polymer, polysialic acid, and its various advantages over its competitors.
Treatment of dry eye syndrome (Low resolution)Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by a decrease in the quality or quantity of the tear film that covers the surface of the eye. In this condition, a patient may experience visual disturbances as well as damage to the ocular surface. This medical animation highlights a treatment for dry eye syndrome that is thought to reestablish a healthy tear film and treat some of the symptoms associated with this condition.
The role of the stroma in cancer growth and development (Low resolution)
Support for a growing tumor can be provided by its own stroma which consists of connective tissue and various cell types. The connective tissue provides a framework and physical support for the tumor, whereas the different cells contained within the stroma can release factors that promote the growth and development of the tumor. This medical animation provides information on the role of the stroma in tumor development and its potential as a therapeutic target.


About BioLucid Productions,
Examples of their work:

Cell Adhesion Molecule Inhibition
This movie was created for Elan Pharmacuticals for Digestive Disease Week (DDW)in Los Angeles in May of 2006. It was displayed prominently around their booth along with an interacive educator which used art and cut scenes from the movie in an engaging video game that educated physicians about the role adhesion molecules can play in digestive diseases such as UC and Crohn's disease. [3min. 48sec.]
Exubera Delivery Route Animation
Shows the delivery mechanism for Pfizer's inhalable insulin, EXUBERA. [2min. 11sec.]
Releasing a New Wave in PPI Therapy
Created for Santarus Inc, a highly detailed depiction of how their novel Proton Pump Inhibitor works quicky to stop excess acid production by the parietal cells of the stomach. [5min. 05sec.]
Dual Action Ciprodex
Created for Alcon Laboratories, describes the unique synergy between antibiotic and anti-inflamatory in their product for the treatment of Otitis Media. [4min. 43sec.]
GI Drug Delivery
Created for Salix Pharmaceuticals, shows how their unique molecule is activated by bacterial azoreduction in the colon to treat ulcerative colitis. [3min. 20sec.]
Angiogenesis in Cancer
Created for Pfizer, explains the process of angiogenesis and the role tyrosine kinase inhibitors may play to inhibit blood vessel growth to a tumor. [2min. 40sec.]
Metabolism of Methotrexate
Created for Prometheus Laboratories, details the metabolism of methotrexate and its effect on rheumatoid arthritis. [3min. 50sec.]


Argosy Medical

~~Cellular~~
Aglae Bloom With phage!, Infection Control, Factor IX, Ionizing Radiation, HPV, Mitosis, Target Theory, The Blood, Typical Cell, Tissue Repair, Cancer Metastasis, Dysport, Secretions, H1N1, NicVax, Stem Cells, Cell Death, Mad Cow, Human Genome, Mitochondrial Gene Replacement, PGD, PGD Defects, Inhaled Corticosteroids, Streptococci, Leukotriene Receptor Agonist, Dividing Cell, Allergic Cascade A, Allergic Cascade B, Allergic Cascade C, Allergic Cascade D, Stuttering, Brain Tumor Vaccination, HIV, HPV, Cancer Cell
~~Circulatory~~
Congestive Heart Failure, Heart, The Blood, Avalon Labs, Infarction Location, Heart Conduction System, Lead Placement, Myocardial Damage, Nervous Influence, Heartbeat, Artificial Heart, Oxygen Remains, Oxygen to the Brain, Angioplasty, Heart MI, Stroke, Stent, Bloodflow, CABG, Cardiac Cath, How the Heart Works, Vfib, Pulmonary Embolism, Aortic Valve, Cholesterol, HIV, CPR
~~Digestive~~
Digestion, Dual Roles of the Pancreas, Swallowing, Seikel Swallowing, Gastric Bypass, LAP Band, Pill, Colon Cancer, GERD, GERD2
~~Muscular~~
Shoulder Injury, Hamstring Injury, Respiration, Gymnast, Muscles of the Arm, Carpal Tunnel, ECM with Stem Cells, Asthma
~~Nervous~~
Acetylcholine Pathways, Anxiety Disorders, Basilar Skull Fracture, Brain Injuries, Brainstem Herniation, Stress Response, C Spine, Serotonin Pathways, Consequences of Moving a Patient, Depressants, Dopamine Pathways, Stimulants, Endocrine System, Firing of Neurons, Heart Conduction System, Head Unjuries, Serotonergic Synapses, Cluster Headaches, FTD Brain, Migraine, Stroke, Burst Fracture, Brain Plasticity, Spina Bifida, Brain Trauma, Brain Injuries, Alzheimer's, Depression, Dreams, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, ALS, Head Trauma Brain Damage, Football Concussions, Parkinsons Disease, Parkinsons Stimulation, Concussions
~~Reproductive~~
Male Reproductive, Ovulation, Pathway of Sperm, Female Reproductive, Filshie Clip, RUMI, Mitochondrial Gene Replacement, PGD, PGD Defects, Stem Cells, Hysterectomy, Birth, HPV, Breast Feeding, Fetal Development, IVF, Erectile Dysfunction, Floating Baby, Pregnancy Backpack
~~Respiratory~~
Nasal Intubation, Needle Cricothyrotomy, Needle Thorocotomy, OPA EMS2, Pocket Face Mask, Respiration, Sherwood Respiration, Asthma TLC_AZ, H1N1, Asthma, Inhaled Corticosteroids, Rhinitis, Allergies, Black Lung, CPAP Sleep Apnea
~~Skeletal~~
Aging Bone, Broken Bone, Knee and ACL Tear, Hip Fractures, Intraosseous Infusion, Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques Fuck yeah, Spine Fracture, Synovial Joints, Target Joint, Twisting Force, Vitamin D and Calcium, Ankle Sprains, Shoulder Injury, Burst Fracture, Knee Replacement, Disc Replacement, Earthquake Crush Injuries, Osteoporosis, Plantar Fascitis, Osteosarcoma
~~Skin~~
Suncare, The Skin, The Skin Healthination, Integuseal, Burn Skin Graft, Skin Cancer, Sunscreen, Grey Hair
~~Urinary~~
Urine Formation, Prostate Cancer, Bladder Repair
~~Other~~
Body Planes, Cholinergic Toxic Syndrome, Combining Word Roots, Process of Vision, Word Parts Work Together, Lymph, Phonation, Process of Hearing, Starfish, Lethal Injection A, Lethal Injection B, Lethal Injection C, Water Cycle, Breast Cancer, Breast Augmentation, Vision, Dust Mite, Bed Bugs, Diabetes, Cataracts, Breast Carcinoma, Breast Lumpectomy, Breast Radiation Therapy, Macular Degeneration, Tunnel Vision

Nucleus Medical Media also has a catalog of samples

Giant Academic Bioanimation Post on Metafilter previously
posted by Blasdelb (10 comments total) 56 users marked this as a favorite
 
The Inner Life of the Cell, set to music and linked above, was pretty much a religious experience for this atheist when I saw it for the first time. I'm pretty scientifically literate but I just had no idea. (There is some inaccuracy and "magic" for artistic license and watchability. But man.)
posted by zeek321 at 10:07 PM on January 23, 2012 [2 favorites]


Holy crap. Damn you blasdelb, I was going to bed!
posted by Popular Ethics at 10:10 PM on January 23, 2012 [1 favorite]


Holy shit its 1 AM... I had no idea... Goodnight!
posted by Blasdelb at 10:13 PM on January 23, 2012 [1 favorite]


Well, here's tomorrow and the day after taken care of. Luckily I'm in a place with nice fast downloads, or it would be the rest of the month. Looking forward to watching the links - thanks, Blasdelb!
posted by Quietgal at 10:20 PM on January 23, 2012


Wow, the Argosy demo vid in the first half of their link has a whole bunch of shots of the circulatory system, and the miracle of birth, and gastric surgery, and then a skeleton shoots itself in the head with what appears to be a Glock 7. Wild!
posted by FatherDagon at 10:23 PM on January 23, 2012


Yeah about that, whoops. It really shouldn't be on the front page without a trigger warning and I just asked the mods to swipe it off.

So, to recap, there is this additional demo reel that is great and pretty but in the middle there is this skeleton with a gun that comes out of nowhere and shoots itself in the head, presumably to demonstrate their intricate bone shattering physics or something, with a loud sudden bang. If this is something that is unlikely to bother you, then I'll link it right here.

Sorry about that.

Having awesome night mods is awesome!
posted by Blasdelb at 11:00 PM on January 23, 2012


It's the internal Argosy link (their '07 demo), not the one in the FPP (04), that has the gunshot.
posted by delmoi at 3:06 AM on January 24, 2012


Trigger warning ::chuckle::
posted by FatherDagon at 8:07 AM on January 24, 2012 [1 favorite]


Mod note: Fixed the second Argosy link.
posted by taz (staff) at 12:35 PM on January 24, 2012 [1 favorite]


"Everyday, scientists are discovering and inventing things that no human has ever seen before."

Well, XVIVO, right now THIS scientist is wondering when the hell you are gonna figure out the difference between "everyday" and "every day".
posted by caution live frogs at 1:01 PM on January 24, 2012


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