Lymphatic Voyage: Communicating 4D Immune Cell Dynamics and Lymph Node Architecture using WebGL-based Animation and Interactivity
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Date
2017-03-22
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Johns Hopkins University
Abstract
The sophisticated functions of the immune system result from tightly orchestrated cell movements within organized microenvironments, such as the lymph nodes. Novel imaging techniques, including intra-vital microscopy and tissue clearing methods have advanced the understanding of the 3D architecture and 4D (3D + time) cellular dynamics of lymph nodes. These powerful tools allow researchers to explore volume renderings of temporal cellular microenvironments. Yet, there is a communication gap between research results and audiences, such as students and the scientific community, who do not have access to 4D viewing software and may have difficulty interpreting raw data. Teaching lymph node architecture and immune cell dynamics at the cellular level is challenging due to the lack of visual teaching tools.
The purpose of this project is to develop a WebGL (Web Graphics Library) - based web application that is widely accessible and based on novel dynamic immune cell data. 3D animations and 3D interactive models were created, and a web application was coded and deployed. This web application allows audiences to go on a “Lymphatic Voyage” on both desktop computers and mobile devices, during which they can explore lymph node architecture and study didactic information that explains the animated cellular drama.
This project provides a novel cross-platform educational resource for instructors and graduate students in the field of immunology to explore 4D lymph node architecture. It also contributes to the field of biomedical communication through the development of an innovative workflow utilizing WebGL to augment the learning experience.
Li Yao
Chairpersons of the Supervisory Committee
Mark J. Soloski, PhD, Preceptor
Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
Lydia Gregg, MA, CMI, FAMI, Department Advisor
Assistant Professor, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology and Department of Art as Applied to Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
Ronald N. Germain, MD, PhD, Content Advisor
NIH Distinguished Investigator, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Description
Keywords
Lymph node, 3D animation, WebGL