THE NANOCLAY GROUP
Creating stimulating environments for stem cells
Injectable cell environments
Nanoclay gels set in the body and bind proteins to create niches that stimulate repair
The Stem Cell Mountain
Designed in collaboration with Winchester Science Centre, the Stem Cell Mountain combines the fun of a pinball machine with a powerful metaphor to bring to life the exciting concept of stem cell potential.
Ships wheel drives cell-division to start stem cells on their journey down the mountain
2m tall marble run assigns stem cells to germ layers
7 tactile controls direct stem cell fate
22 functional cell-type destinations arranged by lineage
Sequential events, multiple effects and semi-determinative gulleys and switches effectively communicate biological complexity
A central archimedes screw carries marbles to the top of the run representing a stem cell in its pluripotent state
Switches at the top of the marble run represent early fate decisions in the process of cell differentiation
Controllable levers illustrate how chemicals, hormones and cell signals can be used to direct stem cell fate
Tissue-specific cell destinations show how stem cells can be harnessed to make new cells for repair
Stem Cell Mountain on the road
The Stem Cell Mountain has now engaged over 600000 school children, festival goers and science aficionados at various festivals, open days and science centers across the UK. Here is some of the feedback.
Such a simple way to represent a very complicated thing
High-school student
I once considered doing a PhD.
I didn't expect to reconsider it here!
Glastonbury Music Festival visitor
Now that's how you teach science!
Science festival visitor
The Stem Cell Mountain is one of our most popular exhibits and a perfect example of how we blend education with fun at the Centre.
Ben Ward, CEO, Winchester Science Centre
To find out more about the Stem Cell Mountain email: jid@soton.ac.uk
