Science
Calcium rainbow wins national image competition
We have announced the winners of our annual Reflections of Research national image competition. The competition challenges BHF-funded researchers to capture the beauty and mystery of art and science, as they showcase awe-inspiring displays of lifesaving research.
Judge's winner, Calcium rainbow - Charlotte Buckley, University of Strathclyde
'Calcium rainbow’ won the judges’ vote and took the top prize. Submitted by BHF funded researcher, Dr Charlotte Buckley, the image resembles kaleidoscopic stained glass, showing the calcium levels in blood vessels. Calcium has an important role in regulating blood pressure and helping pump blood around the body. Dr Buckley is looking into how changes in how calcium is handled by cells in blood vessels can lead to high blood pressure, which is linked to cardiovascular conditions including stroke and dementia.
Researchers are able to visualise calcium signalling using a cutting-edge high-resolution microscope. The microscope captures the point in time where calcium is released, and colour-codes the images accordingly. By using methods such as these, the team hopes to better understand the role of calcium signalling in cardiovascular health and to find new ways to treat high blood pressure.
Dr Charlotte Buckley, said: “I am thrilled the judges have chosen my image as the winner of the British Heart Foundations Reflections of Research image competition this year. This breathtaking image shows how art and science can merge in unexpected ways to highlight how research is not only beautiful, but also lifesaving.”
Supporters winner, The Heartbeat of Tooth! Bridging Oral and Cardio Health - Susanth Alapati, University of Aberdeen
‘The Heartbeat of Tooth! Bridging Oral and Cardio Health' captured the hearts and minds of our supporters. The image was submitted by BHF-funded researcher, Dr Susanth Alapati. Showing two types of bacteria commonly found in the mouth and gums, the image highlights the unexpected link between tooth and heart health.
Having healthy teeth and gums can have benefits far beyond the mouth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of certain bad bacteria that is linked to gum disease. This bacteria can change their behaviour to avoid being detected by our immune system. This ability to ‘hide’ may lead to long-term gum infections, allowing these bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where they could contribute to inflammation in the arteries. With research consistently showing that oral health issues are linked to a higher risk of heart disease, the team hopes to better understand these links, to develop better preventive strategies for patients.
Dr Susanth Alapati said: “I am delighted that this breathtaking image has been recognised by BHF supporters in the British Heart Foundation’s Reflections of Research competition.
“When it comes to keeping our hearts healthy, we often overlook the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Our research aims to uncover how certain gum bacteria in mouth adapt and contribute to heart attacks, helping us find better ways to prevent both gum and heart-related conditions.”
The remaining images on the shortlist were:
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, who was a competition judge. She said:
“Reflections of Research is such a special way to bring British Heart Foundation's cutting-edge research to life through magnificent pieces of art. Every image paints a picture of how much progress BHF research has made over 63 years, and shows how far we still have to go.
“The winning image perfectly captures how Dr Buckley’s research to treat stroke and dementia starts with the very building blocks of our beating hearts, and offers hope to countless people devastated by these conditions.”
Tim Boddy, Picture Editor at the New Scientist, this years guest judge, said:
“The entries this year provide a brilliant insight into the steps researchers take to uncover more about the inner workings of the heart.
“I was astonished to see the way calcium resembled stained glass under the powerful microscope. It's easy to forget how nature and life often imitate each other, and this image is an excellent example of that. The fusion of colours and shapes in this enchanting image makes you reflect and appreciate how fascinating science can be”