Can an image of a butterfly wing prove inspirational to researchers working to develop more efficient catalytic converters?  

Can an image of a life-threatening red blood cell galvanize scientists to perfect medical implantation that would prevent such clots from forming?

The Wyss Institute develops groundbreaking bioinspired technologies, ranging from devices and materials to high-value therapeutics and diagnostics, and works to translate them into commercial products that will bring about positive near-term impact world-wide.  

Images of their work is on display throughout the LMA beginning Monday, July 29th as part of OUTSIDE.

Wyss art displays are installed around the LMA at Shapiro Plaza, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Countway Courtyard, Stoneman Park, Hale Building, PMC Plaza, and the Hunnewell Building entry. (See map below.)

Wyss Founding Director Don Ingber’s first foray into combining science and art resulted in the creation of tensegrity structures to model the forces that allow cells to hold their shape. In a new essay published in SciArt Magazine, Ingber recounts the events early in his career that started him on his “nonlinear life path” along the interface of science and the arts, which has led to novel insights that are not always immediately embraced by either field. He acknowledges that while “to take this path can be an isolating experience…with this kind of life, it seems to me that scientists become artists and artists scientists.”

The work of Wyss researchers/artists is inspired by nature:  Wyss uses biological design principles to develop new engineering innovations that will transform medicine and create a more sustainable world. They've developed robots that fit on a body like a pair of pants! 

Wyss researchers display their ‘art as science’ images throughout the Wyss Institute at 3 Blackfan with a photo gallery showcasing 70+ images. Wyss is a collaborative with MASCO members including: Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Children’s Hospital Boston, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston University, and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Beyond the LMA, Wyss collaborators include researchers/scientists from: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Tufts University, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Zurich, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Massachusetts Medical School.