Description The cochlea is a spiral-shaped sense organ in the inner ear that is responsible for hearing. Within the cochlea are hair cells, which get their name from the hair-like structures that protrude from their surface, called stereocilia. Hair cells respond to sound, but die when exposed to loud noises, thereby causing hearing loss.This image shows a portion of a cochlea from a genetically modified mouse. In this image, structural cells glow green from the expression of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). The hair cells have been labeled red and the nuclei are stained blue. Homma and her colleagues in the Zheng Laboratory use this microscopy technique to track cell health and better understand how cochlear hair cells die. Technique: Confocal fluorescence microscopy
Science In Society Northwestern University's Recent Work
About the artist
Science In Society Northwestern University Member Since November 2013 Artist Statement Science in Society is a Northwestern University research center dedicated to science outreach and public engagement.
These images stem from cutting-edge research on campus, winning our annual Scientific Images Contest which goes on display in galleries across Chicago.
Through partnerships with schools and community groups, we train Northwestern researchers to share their expertise and creativity in a community centered way. Sales from these images goes to support our education and outreach activities, connecting researchers to the wider community.