Mastering Science: 3D Proteins, the Big Picture!

Proteins are the workhorses of cells. With support from the National Science Foundation, University of Arkansas biochemist James Hinton has been researching their structure and function for decades. Back in the 1990's, he had a vision to study these huge protein structures in 3D and now, in cooperation with a company called Virtalis, his vision has become a reality. The new system allows researchers to enlarge the visual of a protein to room-size, so they can examine it from all angles, to better understand its structure and function. The new 3D visuals are also helping Hinton realize his other vision to better engage students in his discoveries and science in general.