Justin Singh | 1 min | USA | 2012
SYNOPSIS
Combining the amazing images of fluorescence microscopy with powerful imaging processing techniques, deconvolution microscopy allows you to view labeled structures in three dimensions. By using algorithms to subtract out of focus light, deconvolution provides scientists with the ability to view microscopic structures with ultra high resolution. As an example, the MamK protein in magnetotactic bacteria (Provided by the Komeili Lab) is visualized using this technique with equipment at the Biological Imaging Facility at the University of California, Berkeley. The MamK protein has been associated with Magnetosome formation and localization. A Magnetosome is a bacterial organelle that contains magnetite crystals that act like the needle of a compass to orient the bacteria in geomagnetic fields, this the term ‘magentotactic bacteria.’ A GFP-MamK fusion protein was created to visualize the localization of the magnetosome within the cell (green florescence). To add contrast and a better sense of where MamK was localized, the cell membrane was stained with FM4-64 which causes it to fluoresce red.
SCREENING SCHEDULE
TBA
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Produced & Edited by Justin Singh
Special thanks to Dr. Arash Komeili, Dr. Steven Ruzen and Dr. Denise Schichnes.
Music By John Williams
DIRECTOR’S BIO
From a young age, Justin Singh has had two great passions: human health and visual media. He has been creating films since he was young, having won awards at local festivals, as well as being a finalist in several commercial competitions for major name brands. Justin received his B.S. in Microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2010 and has worked in the fields of sports medicine and occupational health. More recently, Justin has worked as a Research Associate for the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco, where his primary research focus includes utilizing MR imaging to better understand knee osteoarthritis. One of his greatest passions is to create visual media that will inspire and communicate, and to use filmmaking as a tool to educate the public on exciting technologies and health topics.
