Major
Neuroscience
Anticipated Graduation Year
2024
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Trees have a fascinating ability to communicate with one another through mycorrhizal networks by sending and receiving both chemical and electrical signals. This system of transmitting information closely resembles the pathways of neural networks by which neurons transmit electrical signals down their axons to the cell body. If the signals trigger an action potential, the neuron will release chemical signals and connect with other cells. In this painting, dendrites of the central neuron, which is designed to suggest tree imagery, bend and conform to best receive inputs from neighboring neurons. As this relationship is strengthened, the dendrites continue to grow based on directionality of favored and practiced connections. Similarly to the way the roots of trees grow and adapt based on their chemical environments, dendrites work to take up space efficiently and with precision.
Roots and neurons are dynamic. They both expand, contract, add, and remove their extremities in response to activity. This painting highlights the reciprocal feedback-oriented nature of nature. Just like how rainwater taken in by trees eventually evaporates back into the atmosphere and is recycled, neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the cell for reuse or degradation and recycling. Neurons and plants share information, embrace plasticity, and value the reuse of materials in similar ways. These characteristics build the foundation of natural cycles—Mother Nature is repetitive.
“Mother Nature Repeats Herself” utilizes quick and visible brush strokes to impress the urgent nature of neuronal firing. The background incorporates a vivid palette and texture that is meant to suggest feelings of movement and change. Its coloring is inspired by both sunlight and colors commonly found in brain tissue staining. Both lightning and electric neural signals influenced the charged energy that connects all the neuron figures. Just like these neurons connect to one another, they relate to the patterns and plasticity of roots, paralleled in nature. After all, Mother Nature is repetitive.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Mother Nature Repeats Herself
Trees have a fascinating ability to communicate with one another through mycorrhizal networks by sending and receiving both chemical and electrical signals. This system of transmitting information closely resembles the pathways of neural networks by which neurons transmit electrical signals down their axons to the cell body. If the signals trigger an action potential, the neuron will release chemical signals and connect with other cells. In this painting, dendrites of the central neuron, which is designed to suggest tree imagery, bend and conform to best receive inputs from neighboring neurons. As this relationship is strengthened, the dendrites continue to grow based on directionality of favored and practiced connections. Similarly to the way the roots of trees grow and adapt based on their chemical environments, dendrites work to take up space efficiently and with precision.
Roots and neurons are dynamic. They both expand, contract, add, and remove their extremities in response to activity. This painting highlights the reciprocal feedback-oriented nature of nature. Just like how rainwater taken in by trees eventually evaporates back into the atmosphere and is recycled, neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the cell for reuse or degradation and recycling. Neurons and plants share information, embrace plasticity, and value the reuse of materials in similar ways. These characteristics build the foundation of natural cycles—Mother Nature is repetitive.
“Mother Nature Repeats Herself” utilizes quick and visible brush strokes to impress the urgent nature of neuronal firing. The background incorporates a vivid palette and texture that is meant to suggest feelings of movement and change. Its coloring is inspired by both sunlight and colors commonly found in brain tissue staining. Both lightning and electric neural signals influenced the charged energy that connects all the neuron figures. Just like these neurons connect to one another, they relate to the patterns and plasticity of roots, paralleled in nature. After all, Mother Nature is repetitive.