Invasively Growing Cancer Cell

Invasively growing cancer cell, in vitro. Die Transformation einer gesunden Zelle in eine Tumorzelle ist ein komplexer Vorgang und bedingt eine ganze Reihe verschiedener genetischer Veränderungen. Tumorzellen entwickeln dabei früher oder später die Fähigkeit sich fortzubewegen und Metastasen zu bilden. Das Bild zeigt eine invasive Prostatakarzinomzelle, welche häufig Metastasen im Knochenmark bilden. Mit Hilfe der Fortsätze zieht sich die Zelle über die Unterlage. Im Vergleich zu einer gesunden Zelle bildet diese invasive Tumorzelle deutlich kleinere Fortsätze aus und ist dank schnellerem Auf- und Abbau (der Fortsätze) in der Lage, sich wesentlich schneller fortzubewegen.

The Neuronal Megacity (H. sapiens, single cell neuronal roadmap)

My concept concerning this picture was to compare a nerve cell to an island, or megacity, indicating the complex architecture of the brain. In detail, an infinite number of cellular extensions and microscopical structures unravels (capacity & complexity of the brain), whereas in the overview you can see a confusing tangle of connections that lead towards, or away, or around the center point, like the road network in a megacity. The edges of the picture are deliberately darkened and blurred, indicating there is a lot to be discovered and learned in this area of modern scientific research. Last but not least - the blue “sea” stands for Hawaii / Sophie H, to whom this picture is dedicated. Artwork created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology, and all colors were manually added to visualize the complex network as formed by neuronal cells in vitro.

Coronavirus Structures - CoV2

Coronavirus structures. 9 original TEM image scans, hand-colored by Martin Oeggerli.

Coronavirus Structures - CoV2

Coronavirus structures. 9 original TEM image scans, hand-colored by Martin Oeggerli.

Coronavirus Structures - CoV2

Coronavirus structures. 9 original TEM image scans, hand-colored by Martin Oeggerli.

The Neuronal Megacity (H. sapiens, single cell neuronal roadmap)

My concept concerning this picture was to compare a nerve cell to an island, or megacity, indicating the complex architecture of the brain. In detail, an infinite number of cellular extensions and microscopical structures unravels (capacity & complexity of the brain), whereas in the overview you can see a confusing tangle of connections that lead towards, or away, or around the center point, like the road network in a megacity. The edges of the picture are deliberately darkened and blurred, indicating there is a lot to be discovered and learned in this area of modern scientific research. Last but not least - the blue “sea” stands for Hawaii / Sophie H, to whom this picture is dedicated. Artwork created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology, and all colors were manually added to visualize the complex network as formed by neuronal cells in vitro.

The Neuronal Megacity (H. sapiens, single cell neuronal roadmap)

My concept concerning this picture was to compare a nerve cell to an island, or megacity, indicating the complex architecture of the brain. In detail, an infinite number of cellular extensions and microscopical structures unravels (capacity & complexity of the brain), whereas in the overview you can see a confusing tangle of connections that lead towards, or away, or around the center point, like the road network in a megacity. The edges of the picture are deliberately darkened and blurred, indicating there is a lot to be discovered and learned in this area of modern scientific research. Last but not least - the blue “sea” stands for Hawaii / Sophie H, to whom this picture is dedicated. Artwork created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology, and all colors were manually added to visualize the complex network as formed by neuronal cells in vitro.

Invasively Growing Cancer Cell

Invasively growing human cancer cell, in vitro. Cancer cells develop the ability to move themselves, sooner or later. The picture shows an invasively growing tumor cell, which is pulling itself around with the help of its appendages. In comparison to a healthy cell its extensions are smaller and because of the quicker assembly and disassembly of the appendixes, it is able to move faster. -- Die Transformation einer gesunden Zelle in eine Tumorzelle ist ein komplexer Vorgang und bedingt eine ganze Reihe verschiedener genetischer Veränderungen. Tumorzellen entwickeln dabei früher oder später die Fähigkeit sich fortzubewegen und Metastasen zu bilden. Das Bild zeigt eine invasive Prostatakarzinomzelle, welche häufig Metastasen im Knochenmark bilden. Mit Hilfe der Fortsätze zieht sich die Zelle über die Unterlage. Im Vergleich zu einer gesunden Zelle bildet diese invasive Tumorzelle deutlich kleinere Fortsätze aus und ist dank schnellerem Auf- und Abbau (der Fortsätze) in der Lage, sich wesentlich schneller fortzubewegen.

Invasively Growing Cancer Cell

Invasively growing human cancer cell, in vitro. Cancer cells develop the ability to move themselves, sooner or later. The picture shows an invasively growing tumor cell, which is pulling itself around with the help of its appendages. In comparison to a healthy cell its extensions are smaller and because of the quicker assembly and disassembly of the appendixes, it is able to move faster. -- Die Transformation einer gesunden Zelle in eine Tumorzelle ist ein komplexer Vorgang und bedingt eine ganze Reihe verschiedener genetischer Veränderungen. Tumorzellen entwickeln dabei früher oder später die Fähigkeit sich fortzubewegen und Metastasen zu bilden. Das Bild zeigt eine invasive Prostatakarzinomzelle, welche häufig Metastasen im Knochenmark bilden. Mit Hilfe der Fortsätze zieht sich die Zelle über die Unterlage. Im Vergleich zu einer gesunden Zelle bildet diese invasive Tumorzelle deutlich kleinere Fortsätze aus und ist dank schnellerem Auf- und Abbau (der Fortsätze) in der Lage, sich wesentlich schneller fortzubewegen.

Quasi una Fantasia - The Dancing Hamster Cell (1/3)

Tracing back a hamster’s journey from the deserts of China to the research labs of Harvard in the mid-50s and on to becoming the golden standard for the bio-manufacturing industry and eventually - a work of art. Since they were first isolated in the late 1950s, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells travel on an amazing journey. Because they are so easy to grow much was already known about their genetics and growth characteristics, CHO cells moved into the spotlight of the growing bio-pharmaceutical industry, which is currently worth more than $ 125 billion per year in sales at high profit margins. The step that catapulted CHO cells into prominence was the FDA approval for bio-therapeutic protein production - combined with an ability to grow in suspension, which greatly facilitates cell culturing at large scale. Meanwhile, CHO have become the golden standard for the production of therapeutic proteins, including humanized antibodies, and continue an unbelievable voyage all around the world. This hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph (SEM) shows a chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) ovary cell on a phonograph record of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (Sonata No 14 in C). The phonograph record was the primary medium used to store and reproduce music from the late 1880s. Records were later mainly made of Polyvinyl and retained the largest market share for about 100 years. Even after the introduction of the compact disc, and other new digital media formats, the Vinyls continue to be used and listened by DJs and a growing niche market of audiophiles… and they even serve as a perfect stage to present the worlds most famous cell - as work of art.

Quasi una Fantasia - The Dancing Hamster Cell (2/3)

Tracing back a hamster’s journey from the deserts of China to the research labs of Harvard in the mid-50s and on to becoming the golden standard for the bio-manufacturing industry and eventually - a work of art. Since they were first isolated in the late 1950s, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells travel on an amazing journey. Because they are so easy to grow much was already known about their genetics and growth characteristics, CHO cells moved into the spotlight of the growing bio-pharmaceutical industry, which is currently worth more than $ 125 billion per year in sales at high profit margins. The step that catapulted CHO cells into prominence was the FDA approval for bio-therapeutic protein production - combined with an ability to grow in suspension, which greatly facilitates cell culturing at large scale. Meanwhile, CHO have become the golden standard for the production of therapeutic proteins, including humanized antibodies, and continue an unbelievable voyage all around the world. This hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph (SEM) shows a chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) ovary cell on a phonograph record of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (Sonata No 14 in C). The phonograph record was the primary medium used to store and reproduce music from the late 1880s. Records were later mainly made of Polyvinyl and retained the largest market share for about 100 years. Even after the introduction of the compact disc, and other new digital media formats, the Vinyls continue to be used and listened by DJs and a growing niche market of audiophiles… and they even serve as a perfect stage to present the worlds most famous cell - as work of art.

Quasi una Fantasia - The Dancing Hamster Cell (3/3)

Tracing back a hamster’s journey from the deserts of China to the research labs of Harvard in the mid-50s and on to becoming the golden standard for the bio-manufacturing industry and eventually - a work of art. Since they were first isolated in the late 1950s, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells travel on an amazing journey. Because they are so easy to grow much was already known about their genetics and growth characteristics, CHO cells moved into the spotlight of the growing bio-pharmaceutical industry, which is currently worth more than $ 125 billion per year in sales at high profit margins. The step that catapulted CHO cells into prominence was the FDA approval for bio-therapeutic protein production - combined with an ability to grow in suspension, which greatly facilitates cell culturing at large scale. Meanwhile, CHO have become the golden standard for the production of therapeutic proteins, including humanized antibodies, and continue an unbelievable voyage all around the world. This hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph (SEM) shows a chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) ovary cell on a phonograph record of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (Sonata No 14 in C). The phonograph record was the primary medium used to store and reproduce music from the late 1880s. Records were later mainly made of Polyvinyl and retained the largest market share for about 100 years. Even after the introduction of the compact disc, and other new digital media formats, the Vinyls continue to be used and listened by DJs and a growing niche market of audiophiles… and they even serve as a perfect stage to present the worlds most famous cell - as work of art.

Weight-in of a cell

human Cell on an AFM cantilever. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful, multifunctional imaging platform that allows biological samples, from single molecules to living cells, to be visualized and manipulated. The combination of AFM-based imaging and spectroscopy allows 3D manipulation with molecular precision. In this picture, we measure the weight of a cell with with AFM (cantilever). It is anticipated that in the next decade AFM-related techniques will have a profound influence on the way researchers view, characterize and solve fundamental challenges that cannot be addressed with other techniques.

Skeletal Muscle Fibers (Version 3)

Mammalian Fat Cell

Fat tissue

Gyroid structure of a butterfly wing scale

Gyroid structure of a butterfly wing scale, cut with a focus ion beam electron microscope (FIB) with kind support of Dr. Marco Cantoni of the EPFL in Lausanne.

Fruitfly Head FIB

Fruitfly head cut with Focused Ion Beam Microscope (FIB)

Acceleration-Micro-Sensor - CMG 262 (Bosch) - Detail

Acceleration-Micro-Sensor - CMG 262 (Bosch)

Acceleration-Micro-Sensor - CMG 262 (Bosch) - Detail

Acceleration-Micro-Sensor - CMG 262 (Bosch)

Rotation-Micro-Sensor - CMA 432 (Bosch)

Rotation-Micro-Sensor - CMA 432 (Bosch)

Niacinamid_54468_mini_yellow

Rotation-Micro-Sensor - CMA 432 (Bosch) - Detail

Rotation-Micro-Sensor - CMA 432 (Bosch)

Immortalized human cells

This hand colored scanning-electron-micrograph shows Hep-2 (ATCC CCL-23) immortalized carcinoma cells. Human epithelial type 2 (HEp-2) cells, considered to originate from a human laryngeal carcinoma, allow recognition of over 30 different nuclear and cytoplasmic patterns that are given by upwards of 50 different autoantibodies are associated with various autoimmune conditions. Hep-2 are adherent epithelial cells growing in aggregates and as single cells. Originally, Hep-2 was derived from a human larynx carcinoma of a 56-year-old black patient. However, a genetic analysis reavealed that Hep-2 is indistinguishable from HeLa (human cervix carcinoma), which means that the cell line must have been contaminated with HeLa. Nevertheless, Hep-2 is commonly used in the field of oncology and e.g. provides a particularly useful system for the study of measles, because of its growth characteristics in media free human serum.

Micro Robots

Colored SEM image showing micro robots named 'PolyMites', arranged on a waver plate. They are the next generation of MagMites (magnetic mite robots). The PolyMites are not released from silicon wafer yet. In the end the robots will have a round shape without the two bars which hold each robot in place on the waver plate.

Micro Robots

Colored SEM image showing micro robots named 'PolyMites', arranged on a waver plate. They are the next generation of MagMites (magnetic mite robots). The PolyMites are not released from silicon wafer yet. In the end the robots will have a round shape without the two bars which hold each robot in place on the waver plate.

Micro Robots

Colored SEM image showing micro robots named 'PolyMites', arranged on a waver plate. They are the next generation of MagMites (magnetic mite robots). The PolyMites are not released from silicon wafer yet. In the end the robots will have a round shape without the two bars which hold each robot in place on the waver plate.

Encapsulated versus non-encapsulated yeast

Budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae); hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph by Micronaut (Martin Oeggerli). Modification of cell surfaces with synthetic hydrogels is a promising approach for controlling cell behaviour. Here, Vanella and colleagues developed a genetically controlled system that enables cells to auto-encapsulate inside protective hydrogel capsules. The image shows an encapsulated budding yeast cell directly adjacent to a non-encapsulated one. This system links inducible gene expression to a synthetic capsule that protects target cells against lysis and mediates communication with the extracellular space through a permeable hydrogel.

Encapsulated versus non-encapsulated yeast

Budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae); hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph by Micronaut (Martin Oeggerli). Modification of cell surfaces with synthetic hydrogels is a promising approach for controlling cell behaviour. Here, Vanella and colleagues developed a genetically controlled system that enables cells to auto-encapsulate inside protective hydrogel capsules. The image shows an encapsulated budding yeast cell directly adjacent to a non-encapsulated one. This system links inducible gene expression to a synthetic capsule that protects target cells against lysis and mediates communication with the extracellular space through a permeable hydrogel.

FHNW_Blood_6Bca_0021_mini1_h

FHNW_Blood130021_mini2-sky

Bloodclot / Blutgerinnsel

Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate body's principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. Folllowing an injury, blood clotting produces a fibrin network which closes the wound. Induced blood clotting can also lead arterial embolism and incuce cerebrovascular accidents, including strokes.

Analysing Neuronal Highways - Brain Cells are Growing on a Micro

Preparations of electro-​active cells, predominantly brain cells, are placed directly atop fully processed microelectronics chips carrying thousands of electrodes. The chips are used to address fundamental questions in neuroscience and medicine. Artwork created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology, and all colors are manually added in post-production to visualize the research field of Electrophysiology and Neuroscience. We pursue an extracellular, bioelectronic approach to electrophysiology, which relies on the close juxtaposition of electrogenic cells (cells that produce electrical activity) and tissues with state-​of-the-art integrated electronic systems. The cell preparations (dissociated cells, tissue slices) are placed directly atop fully processed microelectronics chips carrying thousands of electrodes and featuring CMOS circuitry. The bio-​electronic interface consists of noble-​metal electrodes. Prospective fields of applications of our technology include, besides fundamental neuroscience research, pharmascreening, the investigation of mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, or the development of aural and visual prostheses. Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues. It involves measurements of voltage changes or electric currents on a wide variety of scales from single ion channels to whole organs like the heart. In neuroscience, it includes measurements of the electrical activity of neurons and, particularly, action potential activity. Neuroscience is the scientific study of molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, evolutionary, computational, and medical aspects of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that includes aspects of biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

human blood cells

human blood cells during coagulation process

Prostate Cancer Cell Line

Prostate cancer (in-vitro) cell culture. LNCaP cells are a cell line of human cells commonly used in the field of oncology. LNCaP cells are androgen-sensitive and derive from a human prostate adenocarcinoma (lymph node metastasis) of a 50-year-old caucasian male patient. They are adherent epithelial cells growing in aggregates and as single cells. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. One major obstacle in prostate cancer research is the lack of cell lines that closely mimic human disease progression. Two hallmarks of metastatic human prostate cancer include the shift of aggressive PCa from androgen-sensitivity to an androgen insensitive state, and the preference of primary prostate cancer cells to metastasize to bone. Although the generation of androgen insensitive cell lines has been demonstrated in “classic” cell lines (DU145 and PC3), the behavior of these cells in bone metastasis does not fully mimic clinical human disease. Therefore, LNCaP sublines have been generated to develop an androgen insensitive prostate cancer cell model that more closely mimics clinical disease.

DNA-injection Machine

This hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph (SEM) shows a self-reconfiguring metamorphic nanoinjector for DNA injection into a zygote. The ability to transfer a gene or DNA sequence from one animal into the genome of another plays a critical role in a wide range of medical research—including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. The traditional method of transferring genetic material in-vitro into a new cell, called "microinjection," has a serious downside: it involves using a small glass pipette to pump a solution containing DNA into the nucleus of an egg cell, which results in a 25 to 40 percent cell death rate. Now, thanks to the work of researchers Brigham Young University, there's a way to avoid cell death when introducing DNA into egg cells. The MEMS nanoinjector's lance is incredibly small and no extra fluid is used with this technique, so cells undergo much less stress compared to the traditional microinjection process. "Essentially, we use electrical forces to attract and repel DNA—allowing injections to occur with a tiny, electrically conductive lance," explained Brian Jensen, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Brigham Young University. "DNA is attracted to the outside of the lance using positive voltage, and then the lance is inserted into a cell."

Brain Cells on a Chip

This work shows brain cells growing on a futuristic sensor-system, designed to analyse neuronal signalling. Every human thought starts with a signal traveling from one neuron to another in the brain. Yet we know relatively little about how these connections form and grow into the highly ordered neuronal circuits, thereby connecting billions of cells in the brain of a human adult. Understanding how neural circuits are formed is one of the fundamental questions in neuroscience. To study the growth characteristics and signalling, scientists have grown neuronal cells on semiconductor chip. This artwork was created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology. Colors are manually added by the artist in post-production to highlight the delicate interactions between brain cells.

High-Speed Swimsuit - Skin of a Mako Shark

Highly magnified hand-colored scanning-electron-micrograph of Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) shark skin. Sharks have a covering of dermal denticles that protects their skin from damage and parasites, in addition to improving their fluid dynamics. Single striatet scales (i.e. 'riblets') are overlapping like roof tiles. Each riblet produces microscopically small turbulences, creating a very thin film of water turbulences around the sharks body to reduce lateral drag. This enables Mako sharks to swim as fast as 70 kilometres/h. This effect is only efficient for fast swimming and similar structures are used for submarines, boats and airplanes.

Clonal evolution versus cancer stem cell theory

In cancer research two fundamentally different mechanisms explaining tumor progression currently split the positions: Clonal evolution versus cancer stem cells. To develop more effective cancer therapies it will be critical to determine which theory holds true. If most cells can proliferatie and metastasize, then virtually all cells must be eradicated to cure the disease, whereas the specific elimination of cancer stem cells would be sufficient, if the theory of clonal evolution is a myth...

Colon Cancer Stem Cell DLD1

Colored Scanning Electron Micrograph of a Colon Cancer Stem Cell (DLD1): cell culture of a non-adherent cancer stem cell line derived from a primary colon tumor.

Polyurethan PUR

Polyurethan; hand colored SEM image

Polyurethan

Polyurethane (PUR) is any polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined by carbamate links. -- High-Tech Schaum (Polyurethan; PUR)Viskoelastischer PUR-Schaum, hergestellt nach Bayer MaterialScience Technologie, ist ein offenzelliger, flexiblerPolyurethanschaum mit einzigartigen physikalischen Eigenschaften, die es ihm erlauben, formgetreue Konturen auszubildenund Drücke zu verteilen.Vergrößerung: 125:1 bei Druck auf A6.

Polyurethan

Polyurethane (PUR) is any polymer composed of a chain of organic units joined by carbamate links. -- High-Tech Schaum (Polyurethan; PUR)Viskoelastischer PUR-Schaum, hergestellt nach Bayer MaterialScience Technologie, ist ein offenzelliger, flexiblerPolyurethanschaum mit einzigartigen physikalischen Eigenschaften, die es ihm erlauben, formgetreue Konturen auszubildenund Drücke zu verteilen.Vergrößerung: 125:1 bei Druck auf A6.

Virus Imprinted Nanomaterial Particles

Artificial virus recognition nanomaterials- Scanning electron micrograph of virus imprinted particles - VIPs - created via a surface initiated bottom-up synthetic approach using viruses as templates. The blue particles (approx. 400 nm) represent the VIPs while the "pink" dots represent the trapped virus.

Beads with Viruses

Beads with viruses

ULM-Coronavirus-CoV2_mini4

Bild im Querschnitt

Bild im Querschnitt; Painting disection

Catalyst_54793_mini_ice

Catalsyst_II_54806final2 Kopie

Niacinamid54471final Kopie

waterproof/breathable fabric

Waterproof yet breathable fabric. Material is based on thermo-mechanically expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and can be used in a wide variety of applications such as high performance fabrics, medical implants, filter media, insulation for wires and cables, gaskets, and sealants. The fabric is best known for its use in protective, yet breathable, rainwear.

BloodCells40777mini

Natriumdicyanamid54546fin Kopie

Scientists & Diamonds Series (Nr. 5) - The Mechanical Resonator

Mechanical resonators on a diamond chip used for hybrid spin-mechanical systems Hybrid spin-mechanical systems, formed by single spins coupled to mechanical resonators, have attracted ever-increasing attention over the past few years, triggered largely by the prospect of employing such devices as high-performance nanoscale sensors or transducers in quantum computing networks. In the Quantum Sensing Group of Patrick Maletinsky at the University of Basel, such hybrid systems comprising diamond mechanical cantilevers with embedded defect center spins are investigated as depicted in the image. Thereby crystal strain occurring upon cantilever displacement affords a natural and intrinsic mechanism to couple both systems. The research ultimately aims at investigating the potential of these systems for future fundamental physics studies and applications in sensing or information processing.

Brain Cells on a Chip

This artwork was created by Martin Oeggerli (Micronaut). The picture is based on scanning-electron-microscopy technology. Colors are carefully added by the artist in post-production, highlighting delicate interactions between brain cells. Oeggerli’s large-scale picture evokes the complexity of the human brain which enables us to process enormous amounts of information just within the fraction of a second, or - to store data for an entire lifetime! In many ways, the capacity of our brain still surpasses even the most powerful computer system we are able to build today. The accomplishment of the brain are far from being understood and performed by a seemingly chaotic network of cells competing with our classical desire for order, as indicated by the man-made microelectronics chip (surface; background). Scientific caption: brain cells growing on a futuristic sensor-system, designed to analyse neuronal signalling. Every human thought starts with a signal traveling from one neuron to another in the brain. Yet we know relatively little about how these connections form and grow into the highly ordered neuronal circuits, thereby connecting billions of cells in the brain of a human adult. Understanding how neural circuits are formed is one of the fundamental questions in neuroscience. To study the growth characteristics and signalling, scientists have grown neuronal cells on semiconductor chip, as shown on this picture.

Scientists & Diamonds (Nr. 2) - The Cliffhanger

Everybody knows that diamonds are beautiful and ever-lasting jewels symbolising purity and commitment. What might surprise you is that the heavenly purity of diamonds can be used in quantum technology to reach unprecedentedly high performances. Ultrapure diamonds play an important role for the development of hi-tech measuring devices in medicine and computer science in the future. Quantum technology builds on quantum theory, which describes the behaviour of microscopic objects such as atoms and photons, which is different from that of objects that we observe in our daily life. Over the years, quantum technology has led to amazing innovations (computers, the internet and much more) that to a large extent shape today’s society. The next step will be to develop methods for measuring and controlling individual atoms and photons: no wonder that work in this area won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics! The picture shows a hand-colored SEM picture of a diamond nano cantilever attached to a device to handle and transport the tip. Oeggerli slowly breathes life into his works by painstakingly selecting and masking different structures with color, layer upon layer utilizing his laptop touchpad. The process allows him to set focus on the mysterious shape of a nano-diamond AFM tip.

Scientists & Diamonds (Nr. 1) - The Nano Cantilever (AFM)

Everybody knows that diamonds are beautiful and ever-lasting jewels symbolising purity and commitment. What might surprise you is that the heavenly purity of diamonds can be used in quantum technology to reach unprecedentedly high performances. Ultrapure diamonds play an important role for the development of hi-tech measuring devices in medicine and computer science in the future. Quantum technology builds on quantum theory, which describes the behaviour of microscopic objects such as atoms and photons, which is different from that of objects that we observe in our daily life. Over the years, quantum technology has led to amazing innovations (computers, the internet and much more) that to a large extent shape today’s society. The next step will be to develop methods for measuring and controlling individual atoms and photons: no wonder that work in this area won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics! The picture shows a hand-colored SEM picture of a diamond nano cantilever attached to a needle to put the chip in place. Oeggerli slowly breathes life into his works by painstakingly selecting and masking different structures with color, layer upon layer utilizing his laptop touchpad. The process allows him to set focus on the mysterious shape of a nano-diamond AFM tip.