Editor’s Choice 2023-24

The human immune system deploys a vital defense mechanism that is captured in part in this image. Neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, release intricate DNA structures to ensnare and neutralize invading pathogens. This captivating confocal image unveils the intricate world of those structures, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Stained with a nucleic acid dye, NETs start to resemble a mesmerizing dance of chromatic threads. The vivid fluorescence captures the dynamic nature of this immune response, showcasing a beauty that lies within the frontlines of our body’s defense.

Credit:
Weijie Guo
Biochemistry Ph.D. Student