Nephron Navigator: 3D Interactive Visualization Platform Prototype

Best Viewed on Desktop or Laptop, not intended for full-screen

Kiemen Lab at Johns Hopkins University has developed datasets of cell-level annotated H&E histological sections and created corresponding 3D volumes of structures within the fetal kidney tissue of mice, rhesus macaques, and humans to provide insights into convergent and divergent structural features.  

These datasets currently exist primarily as static images and volumetric models viewed in specific software, limiting their accessibility and interpretability.  To target the gaps in educational material and data accessibility, we developed an interactive interface for exploration of histology and 3D reconstructions of fetal mammalian kidneys.

CLIENT

Dr. Ashley Kiemen, PhD

https://labs.pathology.jhu.edu/kiemen/

ROLE

Project Lead:  Responsible for visual concept development, 3D model optimization, UI/UX design, & Unity development

AUDIENCE

Biomedical scientists, graduate students

MEDIA

Zbrush, Cinema 4D, Unity, Photoshop, Illustrator

If interactive prototype does not load, please click link below. 

Kidney Viewer Mode

3D models of the developing kidney are interact-able in the interface, allowing users to rotate, pan and zoom in to regions of the model. Users can also select structures to isolate and highlight to better understand anatomical organization.  Cross-sectional cuts can be created to reveal internal anatomy and explore relationships between different structures.

Histology Mode

2D H&E sections of each kidney are shown alongside the 3D reconstructions. Users can explore and select unique histological structures and view the corresponding 3D dimensional model. 

Comparison Mode

Samples from different species can be viewed concurrently, allowing for real-time comparison of anatomical organization.