Tick, Tock, Bleb
This image shows human cells undergoing necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death.
As cells die, they change shape – rounding up and forming bubble-like blister blebs on their surface. The colours represent calcium levels inside each cell, captured using a fluorescent dye called Fluo-4. Warmer colours (red to yellow) indicate high calcium, which increases as necroptosis progresses.
Hanadi’s research investigates the events leading up to cell lysis – the rupture of the membrane and release of internal contents, a process which triggers inflammation.
Understanding how this happens could lead to better treatments for inflammatory diseases (like inflammatory bowel disease) and infections, where controlling cell death and its effects is critical for improving health outcomes.
Artist
