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2007 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge Winners Announced

"What lies behind our nose?," by Dr, Kai-hung Fung, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong

What lies behind our nose? Even if a correct answer can be given, most of us would have a fairly vague idea of what these complex air channels and anatomical structures behind the nose, known as paranasal sinuses, look like. This 3-D computed tomography (CT) image helps us to visualize the stunningly beautiful structures behind our nose by solidifying the shell of air-containing structures into a more tangible form for studying. This is a cut away view as seen from below the nose shown pointing upward.

Pictures can often depict aspects of science and techology more readily than words—the surprisingly beautiful simple shape of seaweed, for example, or the anatomy behind the human nose or the complex elegance of a bat's flight pattern.

Graphic presentations on those subjects and seven others have been named winners in the 2007 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, sponsored jointly by the journal Science, which is published by AAAS, the nonprofit international science society, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

See all of the winning images at Science online.

The winners have brought their graphic images to the level of high art through this contest. "Science and NSF are rewarding researchers for sharing the results and the excitement of their work through visualization," said Monica M. Bradford, the journal's executive editor. "The impact of these winning entries is far greater than can be achieved by written descriptions alone. We applaud the winners and encourage other scientists to follow their lead."

Currently in its fifth year, the international competition honors artists who use visual media to promote understanding of scientific research. The criteria for judging the entries included visual impact, innovation, and accuracy.

The winning entries communicate information about the stunning details of the 15-centimeter-wide feathery Irish moss under natural light, the complex anatomy of the human nasal passage and sinus, the fluid flight motion of the short-nosed fruit bat in Southeast Asia, the effect of smoking on the brain, hurricane rain clouds, and more.

The 28 September issue of Science will feature the winning entries, which will also be freely available at a special Science page and the NSF's Web site

The 2007 winning entries are included in the following four categories:

PHOTOGRAPHY

"Irish Moss, Chondrus crispus," by Andrea Ottesen, University of Maryland

Chondrus crispus is commonly known as Irish Moss. It is a common type of seaweed along the northern Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. This seaweed is the source of the polysaccharides known as carrageenans which are commonly used as thickeners and stabilizers in processed foods, including ice cream and lunch meats.

First Place (tie):

Andrea Ottesen, University of Maryland
Irish Moss, Chondrus crispus

Dr. Kai-hung Fung, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
What lies behind our nose?

Honorable Mention:

Adam C. Siegel, Harvard University
George M. Whitesides, Harvard University
Tiny Metal Pathways

"Modeling the flight of a bat," by David J. Willis, Brown University/MIT and Mykhaylo Kostandov, Brown University.

The use of high speed digital video and motion capture technology has allowed scientists to extract the finer details of bat flight kinematics and reconstruct time accurate three-dimensional virtual models. These geometrically accurate models are then analyzed using inertial models and computational aerodynamic models which have traditionally been reserved for aircraft analysis and design. By modeling the fluid around these amazing mammals, what was previously invisible becomes visible. This synergy of advanced experimental and computational technology will continue to enhance our understanding of bat flight.

View a larger version of this image.

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS

First Place:

David J. Willis, Brown University/MIT
Mykhaylo Kostandov, Brown University
Modeling the flight of a bat

Honorable Mention:

Mark McGowan, Exploratorium Institute
David Goodsell, Exploratorium Institute
How Does A Muscle Work?

NON-INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA

"Nicotine: The Physiologic Mechanism of Tobacco Dependence," by Donna DeSmet and Jason Guerrero, Hurd Studios.

This 3-D animation depicts the physiological interaction of nicotine with alpha4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, stimulating nerve impulses that travel to the reward center of the brain. Here, the resulting release of dopamine causes short-lived feelings of well-being. But, because nicotine is rapidly eliminated, cravings for more nicotine arise, and over time receptors undergo adaptive changes creating a stronger need for nicotinic stimulation to achieve the same rewards from smoking. This process leads to tobacco dependence.

First Place:

Donna DeSmet, Hurd Studios
Jason Guerrero, Hurd Studios
Nicotine: The Physiologic Mechanism of Tobacco Dependence

Honorable Mentions (tie):

Gregory W. Shirah, NASA/GSFC
Lori K. Perkins, NASA/GSFC
Towers in the Tempest

Douglas N. Arnold, University of Minnesota
Jonathan Rogness, University of Minnesota
Mobius Transformations Revealed

INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA

First Place:

Carl Wieman, University of Colorado, and PhET Team
Physics Education Technology Project (PhET)

Honorable Mention:

Cathryn Tune, CCG Metamedia
Samantha Belmont, CCG Metamedia
Breast Cancer Virtual Anatomy

For more information about the International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, visit the program Web page or contact Susan Mason at +1-703-292-8070 (phone) or smason@nsf.gov.

Natasha Pinol

27 September 2007