Image of the Month
In a Micropig’s Eye
This Wellcome Image Award winner depicts a 3D model of a healthy mini-pig eye. A contrast agent, µAngiofil, was injected into the microcirculation of the eye to allow visualization of the tiny vessels – the images were then transferred to a 3D model and printed. “The image displays the incredible vascular network of a healthy minipig’s eye,” says Peter Maloca, one of the creators of the image. “Our findings should contribute to better understanding of how the circulation is important in diseases like diabetic retinopathy or in ocular tumors. And as an image, it’s amazing to look at just how wonderful an architect nature is,” he adds.
Image courtesy of Peter Maloca, University of Basel, Switzerland, and Moorfields Eye Hospital, London; Christian Schwaller, Ruslan Hlushchuk, and Sébastien Barré
