Microbial Gut-brain Axis Communication
Visual representation of abstract scientific concepts is trivial in understanding and stimulation of future research in the medical field. This project explored focused on exploring the extent to which 2D/3D animation helps with understanding abstract scientific concepts, such as the mechanics of gut-brain axis communications on microbial level. For this project, a 4-minute video was created using Adobe Illustrator and AfterEffects, 3D segmenting in Slicer and 3Ds Max modelling software. The animated movie communicates important information about the discovery process of the molecules, their production and implication in the human model based on research conducted on mice by Dr Dónal Wall’s laboratory team at the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation at the University of Glasgow. The animation was then incorporated into a short answer survey and a Likert scale in an attempt to assess how visual aspects accompanied with narration compare to learning and comprehension of the same content that is read. The animated learning tool was rooted in research into cognitive learning theory and theory of multimedia learning in a way where the visual and auditory stimuli helped with information retention and did not overload the cognitive load. An important aspect was to strike a balance between the complex concept and the simple visual representation. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the animation group scored higher on the questionnaire about the information learned and helpfulness, compared to the control group, especially in the area of spatial understanding, showing animated tool to be beneficial in abstract concept learning. The animation is to accompany the publishing of the research paper “Microbiome-derived carnitine mimics as previously unknown mediators of gut-brain axis communication”.
The published paper can be accessed here:
Storyboard
Creating the storyboard involved pairing of the key concepts and segments with visual representations. These were based on the decision-making between 2D and 3D models, then grouped into scenes, and then further grouped into corresponding segments (Figure 5). Movement of the camera was installed in a way where the viewer could see the 3D aspects of desired models which pointed their attention to them.
Software used to make the animation
Brain model
The brain model and brain parts were segmented in 3D Slicer, the data was transferred and cleaned up in 3Ds Max.
Red-blood cells
The red blood cells were created in 3Ds Max as a continuous animation. The camera followed the S-shaped hollow cylinder that represented vein.
Other models
These included creating molecules with simple shapes, background for simple 2D animation from 3D objects, for example using a box as a background colour, modification of a 3D model (original model downloaded from Turbosquid.com) of digestive tract by leaving stomach and large intestine and creating small intestine , and modelling mitochondria from scratch.
