The role of soft tissues in cranial biomechanics - an investigation using advanced computer modelling techniques
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Aberdeen
Department Name: Sch of Medicine, Medical Sci & Nutrition
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Technical Summary
Consideration of cranial biomechanics and the form and function of skulls has thus far focussed predominantly on the bone - its response to stresses generated in feeding and its role in the protection of the soft cranial contents. However, soft tissues such as the brain and eyes) develop first, becoming enclosed by fibrous capsules (e.g. periosteum, dura) within which the skeletal units ultimately develop and are maintained and shaped. This close integration of hard and soft tissues is understood by craniofacial clinicians, but has received little attention in broader comparative studies. Our aim is to clarify and quantify the role played by apparently inert cranial soft tissues in skull biomechanics and to determine their relative significance in the frame-like reptile skull versus the shell-like skull of mammals.
Our cross-disciplinary research group has pioneered an approach that combines the use of rigid-body modelling (MDA, multibody dynamics analysis), stress analysis (FEA, finite element analysis), and geometric morphometrics. Using this methodology, anatomically accurate working 3-D skull models (MDA) are used to predict joint and muscle forces, that are applied to FE models to predict the skull stress/strain under different feeding conditions. Comparisons with living animals have shown our models to be biologically realistic during biting, with convincing predictions of bite force, bone strain, muscle activation and jaw kinematics. The new project builds on this success with the incorporation of soft tissues (in fact the largest element of cranial contents) into the skull models. The anatomical data will be provided through dissection, histology, MRI, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This will complete their construction, making them fully functional and responsive to a wider range of loading scenarios, especially dynamic loads, and increase their scope in comparative studies and more applied, in particular, clinical investigations.
Our cross-disciplinary research group has pioneered an approach that combines the use of rigid-body modelling (MDA, multibody dynamics analysis), stress analysis (FEA, finite element analysis), and geometric morphometrics. Using this methodology, anatomically accurate working 3-D skull models (MDA) are used to predict joint and muscle forces, that are applied to FE models to predict the skull stress/strain under different feeding conditions. Comparisons with living animals have shown our models to be biologically realistic during biting, with convincing predictions of bite force, bone strain, muscle activation and jaw kinematics. The new project builds on this success with the incorporation of soft tissues (in fact the largest element of cranial contents) into the skull models. The anatomical data will be provided through dissection, histology, MRI, confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This will complete their construction, making them fully functional and responsive to a wider range of loading scenarios, especially dynamic loads, and increase their scope in comparative studies and more applied, in particular, clinical investigations.
Planned Impact
Who will benefit from this research and how: To maintain its competitiveness, the UK needs a strong science base. To achieve that, we must both enthuse young people to study science and also engage the sympathy and interest of the general public, as stakeholders. Research on animal form and function impacts on each of these goals. Further, as the BBSRC has stated, big challenges require multidisciplinary approaches. That requires young scientists to be trained in an interdisciplinary environment. As a collaboration of bone biologists, engineers and comparative anatomists/ palaeontologists, we offer that training environment. Workshops and one-day meetings facilitate knowledge exchange, benefiting the UK science base as well as attracting overseas students and collaborators. Furthermore, our computational modelling approaches clearly synergise with the Research Councils' 3Rs strategy in relation to reducing usage of animals in experiments.
Project results will interest researchers working on biomechanics and functional/evolutionary morphology. Computer modelling is increasingly used to explore the relationship between skeletal form and function, but non-muscular soft tissues are seldom included.
Our research collaboration (via Fagan) also has good links with craniofacial units at several hospitals (John Radcliffe Hosp., Oxford, the Alderhey Children's Hosp., Liverpool, Great Ormond St, London). The relationship between hard and soft cranial tissues is integral to the management of craniofacial deformities and injuries (e.g. craniofacial synostosis, Moazen et al. 2009b; anophthalmia, microphthalmia, Clauser et al., 2004; Tse et al. 2007; glaucoma and ocular/hypertension related headache, Kumar Gupta et al., 2006; Berdahl et al. 2008; bone repair, hydrocephalus; enophthalmos in orbital floor fracture, Converse & Smith 1957), and a more detailed knowledge of the biomechanical role of different craniofacial tissues will therefore likely impact on treatment programmes (e.g. Buchman et al. 1994; Mao et al. 2003).
The British Science Association has stressed the need to promote greater scientific literacy in the UK, by increasing science levels in schools and promoting greater dialogue between scientists and the public. The skull and skeleton, past and present, are ideal topics in this regard, both in formal learning (as part of the National Curriculum), and amongst the general public, as demonstrated by the popularity of museum visits and the success of TV programmes on natural history, palaeontology, health issues, and anatomy.
What science will it advance? The application of mechanical engineering techniques to biological problems, although relatively recent, is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our consortium pioneered the combined use of multi-body dynamics analysis (MDA) and finite element analysis (FEA), as well as bringing tools like DGO and laser interferometry to the field. The advances not only allow detailed modelling of living systems (here in feeding) but also predictive modelling and experimental evolutionary anatomy, whereby morphological changes can be made in silico and their direct effects observed (e.g. Moazen et al. 2009a). The dynamic geometric optimisation (DGO) method developed within our group, for example, offers a way of modelling feeding behaviour in relation to diet in rare and endangered animals for which invasive techniques would be impossible (Curtis et al. 2010a-c). The new project will combine these techniques to address the role of non-muscular cranial soft tissues in skull development, bone maintenance, and cranial function for the first time in an in silico study.
Additional References (not in Case for Support):
Berdahl et al. 2006 Invest Ophthalmol Vis. Sci 49: 5412-5418
Buchman et al. 1994 J Craniofac Surg 5: 2-10
Clauser et al. 2004 J CranioMaxfac Surg 32: 279-290
Converse, Smith 1957 Br J Plast Surg 9: 265
Gupta 2006 MedGenMed. 83: 63
Project results will interest researchers working on biomechanics and functional/evolutionary morphology. Computer modelling is increasingly used to explore the relationship between skeletal form and function, but non-muscular soft tissues are seldom included.
Our research collaboration (via Fagan) also has good links with craniofacial units at several hospitals (John Radcliffe Hosp., Oxford, the Alderhey Children's Hosp., Liverpool, Great Ormond St, London). The relationship between hard and soft cranial tissues is integral to the management of craniofacial deformities and injuries (e.g. craniofacial synostosis, Moazen et al. 2009b; anophthalmia, microphthalmia, Clauser et al., 2004; Tse et al. 2007; glaucoma and ocular/hypertension related headache, Kumar Gupta et al., 2006; Berdahl et al. 2008; bone repair, hydrocephalus; enophthalmos in orbital floor fracture, Converse & Smith 1957), and a more detailed knowledge of the biomechanical role of different craniofacial tissues will therefore likely impact on treatment programmes (e.g. Buchman et al. 1994; Mao et al. 2003).
The British Science Association has stressed the need to promote greater scientific literacy in the UK, by increasing science levels in schools and promoting greater dialogue between scientists and the public. The skull and skeleton, past and present, are ideal topics in this regard, both in formal learning (as part of the National Curriculum), and amongst the general public, as demonstrated by the popularity of museum visits and the success of TV programmes on natural history, palaeontology, health issues, and anatomy.
What science will it advance? The application of mechanical engineering techniques to biological problems, although relatively recent, is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our consortium pioneered the combined use of multi-body dynamics analysis (MDA) and finite element analysis (FEA), as well as bringing tools like DGO and laser interferometry to the field. The advances not only allow detailed modelling of living systems (here in feeding) but also predictive modelling and experimental evolutionary anatomy, whereby morphological changes can be made in silico and their direct effects observed (e.g. Moazen et al. 2009a). The dynamic geometric optimisation (DGO) method developed within our group, for example, offers a way of modelling feeding behaviour in relation to diet in rare and endangered animals for which invasive techniques would be impossible (Curtis et al. 2010a-c). The new project will combine these techniques to address the role of non-muscular cranial soft tissues in skull development, bone maintenance, and cranial function for the first time in an in silico study.
Additional References (not in Case for Support):
Berdahl et al. 2006 Invest Ophthalmol Vis. Sci 49: 5412-5418
Buchman et al. 1994 J Craniofac Surg 5: 2-10
Clauser et al. 2004 J CranioMaxfac Surg 32: 279-290
Converse, Smith 1957 Br J Plast Surg 9: 265
Gupta 2006 MedGenMed. 83: 63
People |
ORCID iD |
Flora Gröning (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Jones MEH
(2017)
The biomechanical role of the chondrocranium and sutures in a lizard cranium.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Matsumoto R
(2017)
The palatal dentition of tetrapods and its functional significance.
in Journal of anatomy
Sellés De Lucas V
(2018)
An assessment of the role of the falx cerebri and tentorium cerebelli in the cranium of the cat (Felis silvestris catus).
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Dutel H
(2019)
Neurocranial development of the coelacanth and the evolution of the sarcopterygian head.
in Nature
Jones M.E.H
(2020)
The biomechanical role of the chondrocranium and the material properties of cartilage.
in Vertebrate Zoology
Watson PJ
(2021)
Computational biomechanical modelling of the rabbit cranium during mastication.
in Scientific reports
Dutel H
(2021)
Comparative cranial biomechanics in two lizard species: impact of variation in cranial design
in Journal of Experimental Biology
Sharp AC
(2023)
Assessment of the mechanical role of cranial sutures in the mammalian skull: Computational biomechanical modelling of the rat skull.
in Journal of morphology
Jones M.E.H.
The biomechanical role of the chondrocranium and the material properties of cartilage
in Vertebrate Zoology
Description | International training workshop 'Biomechanical Modelling of the Cranio-Cervical System' |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | In this 1-week training workshop at the University of Hull we trained early career researchers in the application of multibody dynamics analysis (MDA) to cranial biomechanics. 10 PhD students and post-doctoral researchers from the UK, other European countries and the US attended this workshop. As the workshop included several hands-on activities with sample datasets, the particpants were able to go through all required work steps themselves with guidance from the course leaders. After the completetion of the workshop they were able to apply MDA to their own research projects. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback reagrding the usefulness of the workshop from the participants. |
Description | Curriculum Development CLSM Summer Studentships (CLSM = College of Life Sciences and Medicine) |
Amount | £1,400 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Department | Development Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2016 |
End | 08/2016 |
Description | Impact Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation Award |
Amount | £2,977 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2017 |
End | 07/2017 |
Description | Medical Education & Curriculum Development Summer Studentships |
Amount | £4,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Aberdeen |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2018 |
End | 08/2018 |
Description | PhD Studentship |
Amount | £57,938 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 0053/R17 |
Organisation | Roland Sutton Academic Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | TENOVUS SCOTLAND small research grant |
Amount | £8,341 (GBP) |
Funding ID | G16.07 |
Organisation | Tenovus Cancer Care |
Department | Tenovus Scotland |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 03/2018 |
Title | Interactive and animated 3D models of the human brain for teaching and outreach |
Description | Detailed and anatomically accurate MRI-based 3D models of the human brain and its key parts, animations of these 3D models that are compatible with 2D as well as 3D screens and projections (stereoscopic visualisation) and 3D PDFs based on these models that allow users to interact with the models in different ways: rotation, zoom and selection of different parts of the brain. The animations and 3D PDFs have been used in teaching and several outreach activities (see 'Engagement Activities'). They were created by a summer student in my lab who was funded by a Curriculum Development CLSM Summer Studentship (see 'Further Funding' and 'Collaborations and Partnerships' for details). |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | The animations and 3D PDFs have enhanced the teaching of neuroanatomy for students of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen. In addition, they have been used in several outreach activities (see 'Engagement Activities'). The use of these new digital tools model has received outstanding student feedback by 2nd year medical students at the University of Aberdeen. |
Title | Supp. tables |
Description | - skull and body dimensions of the R. norvegicus specimen studied - cranial muscle mass, pcsa and fibre length - bone strain magnitudes calculated with FEA |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Supp_tables/21909432 |
Description | Bone structure at the nano-, micro- and macro-scale |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Mechanical Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This is a new collaboration between UCL Biosciences and UCL Mechanical Engineering. My lab will contribute anatomical and functional data to a multidisciplinary collaboration looking at the material properties of bone. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners are in Mechanical Engineering. One - Dr Moazen - will contribute computational biomechanics (he is a previous collaborator/PhD student); the other Dr Bertazzo is a biomaterials scientist who will bring expertise in bone nano-structure and imaging. |
Impact | To date - ongoing pilot projects with MSc students on cranial biomechanics and cranial bone nano-structure + Preproposal for Leverhulme Trust for a project on the structure and function of osteoderms - small plates of bone found in the skin of many reptiles. This is a multidisciplinary (morphology, biomechanics, computational mechanics, mechanical enginerring, biomaterials) project that will also involve collaborators in Switzerland (biomaterials) and France (biomechanical testing of live organisms). Full submission not funded, we will resubmit elsewhere. Outcomes in 2016 - one conference poster and one platform talk (Anatomical Society meeting December), both topics being prepared as publications |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Creating a 3D model of the human brain to enhance Anatomy teaching |
Organisation | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | This is a collaboration between my lab and Dr Arnab Rana, neuroradiologist at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. I initiated and led this collaborative project, which was funded by a Curriculum Development CLSM Studentship (see 'Further Funding' for details). In this summer student project, a student created detailed MRI-based 3D models of the human brain and its key structures and animations of these models under my supervision. My lab contributed the image dataset, expertise in 3D modelling and neuroanatomy and the hard- and software (software license supported by our BBSRC grant). |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Arnab Rana contributed his expertise in clinical neuroanatomy and medical education. He used this 3D model for his teaching of 2nd year medical students at the University of Aberdeen. |
Impact | 1) Detailed and anatomically accurate MRI-based 3D models of the human brain and its individual key structures, 2) Animations of these 3D models that are compatible with 2D as well as 3D screens and projections (stereoscopic visualisation), 3) 3D PDFs based on these models that allow users to interact with the models in different ways: rotation, zoom and selection of different parts of the brain, 4) The animations and 3D PDFs have been used in teaching and several outreach activities (see 'Engagement Activities'). 5) The use of this model has received outstanding student feedback by 2nd year medical students at the University of Aberdeen. 6) We have submitted an abstract for the 7th National Scottish Medical Education Conference. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Development of a projection-based guiding system for soft-tissue resection during reconstructive head and neck surgery |
Organisation | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | This is a new collaboration between my lab and Dr Matthieu Poyade (Programme and Pathway Leader in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy at The School of Simulation and Visualisation, Glasgow School of Art) and Mr Terry Lowe, Clinical Lead for the Head & Neck Oncology Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. My lab takes the lead on this collaboration. By combining patient-specific 3D modelling with a new mixed reality headset developed by Microsoft, we aim to develop a novel intra-operative guidance system that will allow surgeons to locate and section soft tissue flaps for reconstructive head and neck surgery more accurately. My lab has created an initial patient-specific model and we have led to 3 successful proposals for funding to move this project forward: Impact and Knowledge Exchange Award and PhD Scholarship from the University of Aberdeen and PhD studentship from the Roland Sutton Academic Trust. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Matthieu Poyade will contribute his expertise in programming and experience in the development of applications for augmented reality. Mr Terry Lowe provides guidance on surgical procedures and will perform tests and evaluations of the prototype system. |
Impact | We have successfully applied for funding for this project (see Funding section for this Award). This is a multidisciplinary project bringing together experts from computer sciences, anatomy and reconstructive surgery. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Development of a projection-based guiding system for soft-tissue resection during reconstructive head and neck surgery |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Department | School of Simulation and Visualisation |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This is a new collaboration between my lab and Dr Matthieu Poyade (Programme and Pathway Leader in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy at The School of Simulation and Visualisation, Glasgow School of Art) and Mr Terry Lowe, Clinical Lead for the Head & Neck Oncology Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. My lab takes the lead on this collaboration. By combining patient-specific 3D modelling with a new mixed reality headset developed by Microsoft, we aim to develop a novel intra-operative guidance system that will allow surgeons to locate and section soft tissue flaps for reconstructive head and neck surgery more accurately. My lab has created an initial patient-specific model and we have led to 3 successful proposals for funding to move this project forward: Impact and Knowledge Exchange Award and PhD Scholarship from the University of Aberdeen and PhD studentship from the Roland Sutton Academic Trust. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Matthieu Poyade will contribute his expertise in programming and experience in the development of applications for augmented reality. Mr Terry Lowe provides guidance on surgical procedures and will perform tests and evaluations of the prototype system. |
Impact | We have successfully applied for funding for this project (see Funding section for this Award). This is a multidisciplinary project bringing together experts from computer sciences, anatomy and reconstructive surgery. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | 'So you want to be a doctor' 2016 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Widening access event for S4 and S5 pupils on 15 and 16 September 2016. We did 12 45-minute sessions with groups of pupils. As part of their visit of the Suttie Centre, the pupils took part in a demo of 3D animations based on CT and MRI scans of anonymised patients. We aimed to give pupils a basic understanding 3D imaging and raise awareness of the importance of 3D imaging and modelling for medical research and diagnosis. We will repeat this event next year. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | British Science Week 2016 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Discovery Day at the Aberdeen Science Centre (on Saturday 19 March 2016) as part of the British Science Week 2016. This event was open to the general public and most visitors were families with pre-school and primary school children. In total, 1200 visitors were counted that day. Whilst wearing a red cape, I turned into a science super-hero for a day and engaged children and their families in simple experiments to demonstrate the 'super powers of bones' using samples of real bones (treated in different ways, e.g. bones softened by storage in vinegar), models, implants and everyday items. The aim was to give children and accompanying adults a basic understanding of the mechanics at work in the skeleton, how the skeleton adapts to mechanical forces and what happens when this mechanism does not work properly. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.evensi.uk/discovery-day-aberdeen-science-centre/169864888 |
Description | Café MED talk (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Café MED talk at the Suttie Centre on 20 February 2017. Café MED is a series of informal public talks by invited researchers and clinicians. We showed how advances in 3D visualisation technology allow us to explore the human body in new ways, which included a demo of our new glassless 3D screen (showing models based on CT and MRI scans of the head and other parts of the body) and a discussion of how to make best use of 3D visualisation in Anatomy teaching for the maximum benefit of students. 64 visitors (primarily members of the general public and health professionals) came to the event and asked numerous questions about 3D imaging, image-based diagnostics and ethical considerations. We received excellent feedback (data collected with questionnaires): speakers and the topic received top scores (5/5) and all comments highlighted that the visitors found this event very interesting and informative. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/10433/ |
Description | Centre Open Day 2017 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
Results and Impact | First open day of the recently founded Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health (ACAMH) and celebration of the renewal of the EULAR "Centre of Excellence in Rheumatology" status (Suttie Centre on 8 February 2017). The event was organised by Arthritis Research UK and National Osteoporosis Society and aimed to showcase the diverse research activities at ACAMH. I set up a stand with a 3D screen, bones, implants and plastic models and informed visitors about bone mechanics and 3D modelling. About 60 visitors came to the event, primarily patients. We are planning to repeat this event next year and advertise it more widely. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Doors Open Day 2016 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Doors Open Day at the Suttie Centre, Aberdeen, on 10 September 2016. As part of this event we opened the doors to parts of the Anatomy Department to the general public. I supervised a student summer project that prepared content (e.g. posters, text boards for showcases, a leaflet) and activities (e.g. a life-size Anatomy puzzle) for the event and made a major contribution to the planning of the event. The event showcased the research at the Anatomy Department, including our 3D modelling work on skulls. The purpose was to give the public an insight in some of the past and present activities at the Anatomy Department, which is usually closed to the public. Visitors included adults and children of different age groups. We received very positive feedback from the visitors, who felt that they had gained new insights in the anatomy and functions of the human body and better understanding of the importance of body donations for research. We will repeat this event in September 2017. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | European Researchers' Night 2016 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | EXPLORATHON 2016, the European Researchers' Night, at the Bon Accord Shopping Centre in the city centre of Aberdeen, on 30 September 2016 (in partnership with Aberdeen City Council). We set up a 3D Anatomy stand within the centre to showcase our latest developments in 3D modelling and inform the public about the use of 3D imaging and modelling for Anatomy teaching and research. Our stand attracted over 100 visitors. Adults and children put on 3D glasses, explored our digital models of body regions and organs and were keen to find out more about our work and at the same time gain some fascinating insides into the human body. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.explorathon.co.uk/aberdeen/explorathon-in-city-centre |
Description | Event at Aberdeen Science Centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public engagement event at the Aberdeen Science Centre on 23 June 2017. This Friday evening event was open to adult visitors of the general public who had a particular interest in computer games, virtual modelling and virtual reality. In total 41 visitors were counted. We gave an interactive talk about how we combine 3D modelling and tools from computer gaming to create interactive Anatomy learning resources. We demonstrated how we generate accurate 3D models of biological structures and how to make them interactive. At our stand in the exhibition area of the Science Centre visitors could interact with these models and test their anatomical knowledge with our game-based learning tools. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Experience Aberdeen 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Oureach event for S6 pupils at the University of Aberdeen on 26 July 2018. We did an interactive 45-minute session with a group of pupils as part of their visit of the University of Aberdeen. I gave a talk on special senses and brain anatomy including a demo with digital 3D models and 3D prints that my team had created. The pupils were very interested and engaged (i.e. asking very good questions and taking part in discussion after my talk). They also provided very positive feedback after the event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | So you want to be a doctor? 2017 & 2018 (Aberdeen) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Widening access event for S4 and S5 pupils on 4 October and 1 November 2017 and 3 October 2018. We did 12 45-minute sessions with groups of pupils. As part of their visit of the Suttie Centre, the pupils took part in a demo of 3D animations based on CT and MRI scans of anonymised patients. We aimed to give pupils a basic understanding 3D imaging and raise awareness of the importance of 3D imaging and modelling for medical research and diagnosis. We will repeat this event next year. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
Description | University College London Summer School: Widening Participation. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Public engagement event for Schools: Widening Participation Museums Summer School - Skull workshop. Year 8 (12-13 yrs) pupils x30 June 3rd, 2016. For this we purchased 12 moderate quality plastic skulls on to which the children modelled plasticene muscles, eyes, ears, and dough flesh, to develop the idea of the relationship of hard and soft tissues. Our general aim was that students would gain an understanding of: - the way hard and soft tissues shape the human face - the way in which certain features of the skull reflect the attachments of muscles that enable us to bite - how these features reflect an animal's diet - that humans, just like all other animals, have features that increase their chances of survival (adaptations). In Feb/March 2017, in collaboration with the UCL Public Engagement unit, we developed a video version of this activity - narrated by Evans. We piloted this with the same age group of school students in June 2017 and the video now forms part of the Public Engagement groups portfolio for use in schools. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018 |