NanoVignettes is a series of creative micro-films based on the latest research from the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Doctoral Training Centre (NanoDTC) at the University of Cambridge. NanoDTC scientists were paired with artists and together the teams explored crossovers between their disciplines. Scientists introduced the artists to their labs and research, and the artists then created dialogues and imagery to explain their understanding of the scientists’ work. The resulting micro-films communicate their shared experiences, exploring divergences in ideas, language, and idiom. By harnessing the creativity of scientists and artists working together, the videos engage a wide range of audiences on multiple levels. The series was developed and produced by artist Melissa Pierce Murray and NanoDTC researcher Philipp Koehler.
The videos were exhibited at a NanoVignettes launch event in March 2018 and the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (2018).
Redesigning DNA is the micro-film produced from the collaboration between Priya and Bill Stockham, a scientist in BioNano Engineering Group. Bill's research involves the use of DNA scaffolds to generate artificial enzymes, which could have countless beneficial applications in medicine and clinical science. The accompanying artwork was inspired by Bill's research.
“Enzymes are the most efficient and selective catalysts in nature but are too fragile and expensive to be routinely used industrially. We are employing chemical strategies to modify DNA nanostructures and introduce protein-like functionalities into DNA, with the aim of developing a new method for enzyme design." Bill Stockham
