DermTech Student Paintings
The Ugly Duckling Finding
Andrew Naslund
Anna Zeltins
This painting represents the ‘ugly duckling’ sign . The ‘ugly duckling’ sign is a way to detect signs of melanoma. When a dermatologist finds a mole that is very different from other moles, they label it the ‘ugly duckling’ and further evaluate it to determine if it is cancerous. The process uses an A,B,C,D,E process to detect melanoma which are A symmetry , irregular Borders, variable C olors, large D iameter and E volution. Normal moles are symmetric, have a clear border, have one color, a specific diameter and don’t evolve over time. If a mole meets these requirements, it may be melanoma.
This painting shows four ugly ducks on an arm. Each duck has a mole underneath of it. There are three normal, yellow ducks with normal symmetric moles, and a brown and yellow ‘ ugly duck’ with a misshapen and discolored mole underneath. This mole is representative of the ‘ugly duckling’ mole, which could be melanoma.
After studying this painting people will become informed about early stages of melanoma and may be able to seek medical help after detecting an ‘ugly duckling’ mole. Being informed about melanoma is important because it may possibly save your life. We now realize that we need to take more precaution when spending significant amounts of time in the sun and to look for ‘ugly ducklings’ on ourselves and lovers.
Andrew Naslund
Anna Zeltins
This painting represents the ‘ugly duckling’ sign . The ‘ugly duckling’ sign is a way to detect signs of melanoma. When a dermatologist finds a mole that is very different from other moles, they label it the ‘ugly duckling’ and further evaluate it to determine if it is cancerous. The process uses an A,B,C,D,E process to detect melanoma which are A symmetry , irregular Borders, variable C olors, large D iameter and E volution. Normal moles are symmetric, have a clear border, have one color, a specific diameter and don’t evolve over time. If a mole meets these requirements, it may be melanoma.
This painting shows four ugly ducks on an arm. Each duck has a mole underneath of it. There are three normal, yellow ducks with normal symmetric moles, and a brown and yellow ‘ ugly duck’ with a misshapen and discolored mole underneath. This mole is representative of the ‘ugly duckling’ mole, which could be melanoma.
After studying this painting people will become informed about early stages of melanoma and may be able to seek medical help after detecting an ‘ugly duckling’ mole. Being informed about melanoma is important because it may possibly save your life. We now realize that we need to take more precaution when spending significant amounts of time in the sun and to look for ‘ugly ducklings’ on ourselves and lovers.
MOHS
Jazmin Serralde
Ciara Ferriol
This painting shows melanoma and melanoma treatments. The purple and blue cells that we have as our background are melanoma cells, a form of skin cancer. There are many ways to treat melanoma. In our painting we focused on MOHS surgery and prevention cream. MOHS surgery is when a doctor peels off layers of the cancer until there are no cancerous cells left. The cream is used after the MOHS surgery to heal the surgical wound and help prevent further damage to the skin. We had to learn how MOHS surgery is performed in order to make our painting. We also had to learn what products the dermatologists give to their patients to recover from the surgery.
Prior to painting the picture we studied skin cancer, melanoma in particular, and the different ways it can be treated. We found a company called Del Mar M ed that specializes in dermatology and MOHS skin cancer surgery. We visited the company, asked questions, and took pictures of the different tools and procedures they use to treat patients. After we performed our research, we decided to display the information we learned in an artistic painting. We believe our painting can inform people about skin cancer prevention techniques and ways to treat their cancer.
Jazmin Serralde
Ciara Ferriol
This painting shows melanoma and melanoma treatments. The purple and blue cells that we have as our background are melanoma cells, a form of skin cancer. There are many ways to treat melanoma. In our painting we focused on MOHS surgery and prevention cream. MOHS surgery is when a doctor peels off layers of the cancer until there are no cancerous cells left. The cream is used after the MOHS surgery to heal the surgical wound and help prevent further damage to the skin. We had to learn how MOHS surgery is performed in order to make our painting. We also had to learn what products the dermatologists give to their patients to recover from the surgery.
Prior to painting the picture we studied skin cancer, melanoma in particular, and the different ways it can be treated. We found a company called Del Mar M ed that specializes in dermatology and MOHS skin cancer surgery. We visited the company, asked questions, and took pictures of the different tools and procedures they use to treat patients. After we performed our research, we decided to display the information we learned in an artistic painting. We believe our painting can inform people about skin cancer prevention techniques and ways to treat their cancer.
Fire and Ice
Aidan McGeath
Carl Shefcik
Our painting represents the polymerase chain reaction, abbreviated PCR. This process is used to replicate a section of DNA millions of times using a device that modulates temperature change. When testing for melanoma, it is essential to have many copies of a DNA strand to ensure accurate tests. Without PCR, using genetics to test for melanoma would literally require a person to donate a limb in order for the test to be performed. Anyone curious about the temperature differences and process of PCR could benefit from this painting, as it shows the basic concepts of heat and cool in PCR, as well as how the DNA splits apart and is replicated.
Our painting has three panels, each showing the temperature changes of PCR. The first panel begins with a tightly wound strand of DNA, set on a purple background. In this step of PCR, replication has not yet begun and the temperature is cool. Next the color shifts to a hot reddish-orange tone and our strand of DNA is split by the heat, becoming a pair of single strands instead of a double helix. In the PCR process this is known as the denaturing step. When the second panel begins, the color cools back down to purple as the primers attach to the single strands in opposite directions. A primer is essentially a beacon to mark where synthesis will begin and end. After this, the color changes to a light orange, representing a warm temperature, and synthesis begins. Synthesis occurs in the elongation step of the PCR process, where nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, are added to form two new strands of DNA. In the final panel of our painting, the four strands cool down and return to a pair of double helices on a purple background ready for the process to begin again. In the very last step of our painting, the strands are split to continue the process. This process will be repeated 30 or more times. In the end, PCR will make millions of DNA strands—enough to make the test effective . Thus, our painting shows the DNA splitting, the primers attaching, the nucleotides being added, and culminates in the process repeating itself.
Aidan McGeath
Carl Shefcik
Our painting represents the polymerase chain reaction, abbreviated PCR. This process is used to replicate a section of DNA millions of times using a device that modulates temperature change. When testing for melanoma, it is essential to have many copies of a DNA strand to ensure accurate tests. Without PCR, using genetics to test for melanoma would literally require a person to donate a limb in order for the test to be performed. Anyone curious about the temperature differences and process of PCR could benefit from this painting, as it shows the basic concepts of heat and cool in PCR, as well as how the DNA splits apart and is replicated.
Our painting has three panels, each showing the temperature changes of PCR. The first panel begins with a tightly wound strand of DNA, set on a purple background. In this step of PCR, replication has not yet begun and the temperature is cool. Next the color shifts to a hot reddish-orange tone and our strand of DNA is split by the heat, becoming a pair of single strands instead of a double helix. In the PCR process this is known as the denaturing step. When the second panel begins, the color cools back down to purple as the primers attach to the single strands in opposite directions. A primer is essentially a beacon to mark where synthesis will begin and end. After this, the color changes to a light orange, representing a warm temperature, and synthesis begins. Synthesis occurs in the elongation step of the PCR process, where nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, are added to form two new strands of DNA. In the final panel of our painting, the four strands cool down and return to a pair of double helices on a purple background ready for the process to begin again. In the very last step of our painting, the strands are split to continue the process. This process will be repeated 30 or more times. In the end, PCR will make millions of DNA strands—enough to make the test effective . Thus, our painting shows the DNA splitting, the primers attaching, the nucleotides being added, and culminates in the process repeating itself.
Gene Expression
Sergio Ramirez
Madison Clark
In our painting we portray the concept of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into an amino acid chain, also known as a protein. Proteins are produced by the cells and control cell function and structure. If there is a mutation in DNA, and it is transcribed and translated to make an abnormal protein, it can mess up the cell causing it to perform a different function. This can affect how the cell works, and can lead to cancer .
In our painting we showed gene expression in its different steps; transcription, translation and the final product, a protein. We decided to show these steps by comparing it to another process that makes final products as well, a box factory. DNA is represented by the plans for the boxes, RNA is represented by a copy of the plans, and the proteins are the boxes. You see businessmen with the plans at the top left of the painting, which represents DNA, depicted to the right. Below it, you see the architects with copies of the plans that represent RNA, also shown on the right. The ribosome is responsible for translating the RNA into an amino acid chain, or protein. So in a factory setting, the workers making the boxes represent the ribosome, shown to the right. Finally we have the box products that represent the protein, depicted in the bottom right hand corner.
The painter that inspired our painting was Diego Rivera. He painted two murals, Making a Fresco and The Detroit Industry, which we used as templates for our factory scene. We feel like the factory metaphor makes the process of gene expression easier to understand. We are happy with our painting because it shows our hard work , the product of multiple revisions.
Sergio Ramirez
Madison Clark
In our painting we portray the concept of gene expression. Gene expression is the process in which DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into an amino acid chain, also known as a protein. Proteins are produced by the cells and control cell function and structure. If there is a mutation in DNA, and it is transcribed and translated to make an abnormal protein, it can mess up the cell causing it to perform a different function. This can affect how the cell works, and can lead to cancer .
In our painting we showed gene expression in its different steps; transcription, translation and the final product, a protein. We decided to show these steps by comparing it to another process that makes final products as well, a box factory. DNA is represented by the plans for the boxes, RNA is represented by a copy of the plans, and the proteins are the boxes. You see businessmen with the plans at the top left of the painting, which represents DNA, depicted to the right. Below it, you see the architects with copies of the plans that represent RNA, also shown on the right. The ribosome is responsible for translating the RNA into an amino acid chain, or protein. So in a factory setting, the workers making the boxes represent the ribosome, shown to the right. Finally we have the box products that represent the protein, depicted in the bottom right hand corner.
The painter that inspired our painting was Diego Rivera. He painted two murals, Making a Fresco and The Detroit Industry, which we used as templates for our factory scene. We feel like the factory metaphor makes the process of gene expression easier to understand. We are happy with our painting because it shows our hard work , the product of multiple revisions.
The Human Controller
Jessi Edmunds
David Lutze
You are unique! What makes you an individual or different from others are the small differences in your DNA. Everyone has millions of genes, encoded in their DNA that is translated into all the proteins that contribute to their physical attributes. Scientists can observe and analyze genes by using a bioinformatics technique called heat mapping. Heat mapping is a way of viewing your activated genome. This method uses colors, red and green, to represent whether or not certain genes in our body are active. The genes that are turned “on” are represented by the color green and the genes that are turned “off” are represented by the color red. We portrayed these red and green colors as the visible switches that are in our painting. To paint this, we had to learn what genes are and how they are turned “on” and “off” in the body. We also had to learn where people get their genes from, and how they can be influenced by different forces.
You inherit your genes from your parents. The two people on either side of the man with the switches represent his parents. The genes of the parents affect whether or not certain physical characteristics are observed in the man. Factors such as other hereditary elements or the environment can turn “off” or “on” certain genes that produce different proteins in our body. Environmental factors such as radiation can mutate, or change, our DNA that could lead to turning “on” or “off” certain genes that could potentially cause cancer.
Jessi Edmunds
David Lutze
You are unique! What makes you an individual or different from others are the small differences in your DNA. Everyone has millions of genes, encoded in their DNA that is translated into all the proteins that contribute to their physical attributes. Scientists can observe and analyze genes by using a bioinformatics technique called heat mapping. Heat mapping is a way of viewing your activated genome. This method uses colors, red and green, to represent whether or not certain genes in our body are active. The genes that are turned “on” are represented by the color green and the genes that are turned “off” are represented by the color red. We portrayed these red and green colors as the visible switches that are in our painting. To paint this, we had to learn what genes are and how they are turned “on” and “off” in the body. We also had to learn where people get their genes from, and how they can be influenced by different forces.
You inherit your genes from your parents. The two people on either side of the man with the switches represent his parents. The genes of the parents affect whether or not certain physical characteristics are observed in the man. Factors such as other hereditary elements or the environment can turn “off” or “on” certain genes that produce different proteins in our body. Environmental factors such as radiation can mutate, or change, our DNA that could lead to turning “on” or “off” certain genes that could potentially cause cancer.
Infestation
Sarah Chadwick
Samantha Rizzuto
Our painting shows how cancer can spread throughout the body when it is left untreated. The science concept that we are illustrating in our painting is metastatic cancer. Metastatic cancer is the spread of cancer throughout the body, resulting in a secondary tumor that originated from the main cancer site. For example, our picture shows the spread of lung cancer through the blood and up into the brain. These infected secondary sites would be called metastatic lung cancer because the original cancer was in the lung.
We depicted an x-ray of the human and red ants to represent the spread of metastatic cancer. We used the x ray picture because it is easier to determine what type of cancer we are describing and where it has spread . We used red ants as a metaphor for cancer spreading because red ants travel quickly and are venomous.
The concept of how cancer m etastasizes is important to share with others so they can go in for check-ups for screening examinations and receive early treatment before cancer spreads . Our painting leaves a lasting impact because it demonstrates the effects of not taking cancer prevention and treatment seriously. “This painting really has an effect on me because I have family members that have been diagnosed with cancer. Knowing how quickly cancer is able to metastasize is a scary thing, but early treatment prevents metastasis. Sam and I worked many weeks on this painting and I’m extremely proud of the outcome.” (Sarah Chadwick). “I love how our painting turned out. This has been one of the most challenging and enjoyable pieces to paint and I believe the spread of cancer is demonstrated in a striking manner.” (Sam Rizzuto).
Sarah Chadwick
Samantha Rizzuto
Our painting shows how cancer can spread throughout the body when it is left untreated. The science concept that we are illustrating in our painting is metastatic cancer. Metastatic cancer is the spread of cancer throughout the body, resulting in a secondary tumor that originated from the main cancer site. For example, our picture shows the spread of lung cancer through the blood and up into the brain. These infected secondary sites would be called metastatic lung cancer because the original cancer was in the lung.
We depicted an x-ray of the human and red ants to represent the spread of metastatic cancer. We used the x ray picture because it is easier to determine what type of cancer we are describing and where it has spread . We used red ants as a metaphor for cancer spreading because red ants travel quickly and are venomous.
The concept of how cancer m etastasizes is important to share with others so they can go in for check-ups for screening examinations and receive early treatment before cancer spreads . Our painting leaves a lasting impact because it demonstrates the effects of not taking cancer prevention and treatment seriously. “This painting really has an effect on me because I have family members that have been diagnosed with cancer. Knowing how quickly cancer is able to metastasize is a scary thing, but early treatment prevents metastasis. Sam and I worked many weeks on this painting and I’m extremely proud of the outcome.” (Sarah Chadwick). “I love how our painting turned out. This has been one of the most challenging and enjoyable pieces to paint and I believe the spread of cancer is demonstrated in a striking manner.” (Sam Rizzuto).
United Colors of Dermis
Ana Ramirez-Blanco
Sierra Renna
The basic concept of our painting is to show the difference in susceptibility to skin cancer according to race . As skin color darkens, the likeliness of developing skin cancer declines. Vulnerability to skin cancer is mostly determined by how much melanin is in the skin. Melanin is a chemical produced in the body when the amino-acid, tyrosine, is metabolized. Melanin is what gives everything on our bodies color, including our skin. Also, it acts as the body’s natural sunscreen by protecting skin cells from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, when skin comes into increased contact with the sun’s rays, the melanocytes, special cells that produce melanin, will begin to produce more melanin pigment to cover and protect the otherwise damaged cells while also making the skin tan .
Different races are darker than others, which is due to the amounts of melanin their skin has been “programmed” to generate in their genetics in accordance to the amount of sunlight their ancestors encountered. This initial color of the human race is believed to have been quite dark, since humans first evolved and were centered on what is now Africa, where a lot of sunlight is cast. However, as people began to move to places around the world, they adapted to their new environments and their melanocytes steadily reduced the amount of melanin they made. This is why a person whose ancestors are Central African will be darker, have the ability to tan faster, and be more protected from the sun, than someone with ancestors from Northern Europe who have a genetic makeup that causes them to produce less melanin. To show this entire concept, we decided to incorporate a wide variety of people of different races, with skin tones going from lightest to darkest. I n our painting underneath each individual we show what a portion of their skin would look like on a histologic level with the corresponding amounts of melanin. We think our painting depicts skin color differences in a way others can easily understand.
Ana Ramirez-Blanco
Sierra Renna
The basic concept of our painting is to show the difference in susceptibility to skin cancer according to race . As skin color darkens, the likeliness of developing skin cancer declines. Vulnerability to skin cancer is mostly determined by how much melanin is in the skin. Melanin is a chemical produced in the body when the amino-acid, tyrosine, is metabolized. Melanin is what gives everything on our bodies color, including our skin. Also, it acts as the body’s natural sunscreen by protecting skin cells from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, when skin comes into increased contact with the sun’s rays, the melanocytes, special cells that produce melanin, will begin to produce more melanin pigment to cover and protect the otherwise damaged cells while also making the skin tan .
Different races are darker than others, which is due to the amounts of melanin their skin has been “programmed” to generate in their genetics in accordance to the amount of sunlight their ancestors encountered. This initial color of the human race is believed to have been quite dark, since humans first evolved and were centered on what is now Africa, where a lot of sunlight is cast. However, as people began to move to places around the world, they adapted to their new environments and their melanocytes steadily reduced the amount of melanin they made. This is why a person whose ancestors are Central African will be darker, have the ability to tan faster, and be more protected from the sun, than someone with ancestors from Northern Europe who have a genetic makeup that causes them to produce less melanin. To show this entire concept, we decided to incorporate a wide variety of people of different races, with skin tones going from lightest to darkest. I n our painting underneath each individual we show what a portion of their skin would look like on a histologic level with the corresponding amounts of melanin. We think our painting depicts skin color differences in a way others can easily understand.
La Fiesta de Organelles
Natalie Sypkens
Chase Tallstrom
Our art piece represents the first step in DermTech’s process, the separation of RNA from skin cells. We used the metaphor of a piñata bursting open with organelles from the cell flying out rather than candy, and scientists, instead of children, collecting the parts of the cell. We drew inspiration from the Hispanic artist Diego Rivera, and his art piece titled “La Piñata”. Our main goal was to emphasize that once the skin cell has broken open, the RNA must be separated from the other cell parts. We represented this by having the scientists only collecting the RNA as it falls from the piñata.
Before beginning our painting, we researched all of DermTech’s procedural steps for analyzing pigmented skin lesions. We then did in depth research on the first step, RNA extraction from the skin cells, using a protocol from Life Technology titled, Total Nucleic Acid Isolation System to obtain the DNA. After understanding the RNA extraction concept ourselves, we simplified the multiple step process to help viewers understand the complex subject. Bright colors and the analogy between a pinata further made the science more comprehensible to everyone.
We are very proud of our final product and of the amount of research and planning we conducted to create our painting. We put in a significant amount of time to understand a complicated biotechnology procedure. Additionally, we are proud of our ability to take the factual process DermTech uses and turn it into a painting with a playful spin.
Natalie Sypkens
Chase Tallstrom
Our art piece represents the first step in DermTech’s process, the separation of RNA from skin cells. We used the metaphor of a piñata bursting open with organelles from the cell flying out rather than candy, and scientists, instead of children, collecting the parts of the cell. We drew inspiration from the Hispanic artist Diego Rivera, and his art piece titled “La Piñata”. Our main goal was to emphasize that once the skin cell has broken open, the RNA must be separated from the other cell parts. We represented this by having the scientists only collecting the RNA as it falls from the piñata.
Before beginning our painting, we researched all of DermTech’s procedural steps for analyzing pigmented skin lesions. We then did in depth research on the first step, RNA extraction from the skin cells, using a protocol from Life Technology titled, Total Nucleic Acid Isolation System to obtain the DNA. After understanding the RNA extraction concept ourselves, we simplified the multiple step process to help viewers understand the complex subject. Bright colors and the analogy between a pinata further made the science more comprehensible to everyone.
We are very proud of our final product and of the amount of research and planning we conducted to create our painting. We put in a significant amount of time to understand a complicated biotechnology procedure. Additionally, we are proud of our ability to take the factual process DermTech uses and turn it into a painting with a playful spin.
Melanin for the People
Stevon Marshall
Andres Medina
Everyone is somewhat fascinated with skin color. What makes our skin color unique? Our painting demonstrates how the amount and type of melanin in the skin leads to racial differences in skin color. The presence of more melanin in the skin cells, protects you from sunburns, and also reduces one’s chance of developing skin cancer. African Americans gain the greatest protective benefit because of their natural dark skin.
We demonstrate two types of melanin; pheomelanin and eumelanin. Eumelanin is the dark pigment found in most individuals and pheomelanin is the pink and red pigments that are commonly found in red haired people. The painting illustrates children with various skin colors and underneath each child we show the ratio and amount of pheomelanin and eumelanin responsible for the pigmentation of their skin.
We were one of the last of our peers to finish our painting. We learned different techniques when it comes to mixing paint and figuring out the right colors that would make the overall painting blend without patchy areas of vibrant colors interspersed with dull regions. From science perspective we learned about the types of melanin and its chemical structure and biologic importance.
Stevon Marshall
Andres Medina
Everyone is somewhat fascinated with skin color. What makes our skin color unique? Our painting demonstrates how the amount and type of melanin in the skin leads to racial differences in skin color. The presence of more melanin in the skin cells, protects you from sunburns, and also reduces one’s chance of developing skin cancer. African Americans gain the greatest protective benefit because of their natural dark skin.
We demonstrate two types of melanin; pheomelanin and eumelanin. Eumelanin is the dark pigment found in most individuals and pheomelanin is the pink and red pigments that are commonly found in red haired people. The painting illustrates children with various skin colors and underneath each child we show the ratio and amount of pheomelanin and eumelanin responsible for the pigmentation of their skin.
We were one of the last of our peers to finish our painting. We learned different techniques when it comes to mixing paint and figuring out the right colors that would make the overall painting blend without patchy areas of vibrant colors interspersed with dull regions. From science perspective we learned about the types of melanin and its chemical structure and biologic importance.
Genetic Predisposition
Josiah Terronez
Jose Rodriguez
This painting demonstrates Genetic Predisposition or increased likelihood of developing a specific disease based on a person's genetics. The genetic information we inherit from our parents does not directly cause disease but increases our risk of developing disease. For example melanoma is not inherited; but some individuals have an increased risk of developing melanoma. There are many people who inherit the genes that predispose to disease but never develop cancer.
We came up with the family concept idea because our topic demonstrates how we inherit risk factors from our parents. The triangle shaped patterns on the painting represent the genes, cold colors (blue, purple, green, and pink ) representing good genes. The warm colors (red, yellow, and orange) are bad genes which increase our risk for disease. If you have two warm colors then you are at increased risk of developing the disease.
This painting could have a great impact on families with a history of melanoma. Our painting provides the viewer with a visual understanding of Genetic Predisposition. If you have a family history for a disease this information may help you make important life style decisions.
Josiah Terronez
Jose Rodriguez
This painting demonstrates Genetic Predisposition or increased likelihood of developing a specific disease based on a person's genetics. The genetic information we inherit from our parents does not directly cause disease but increases our risk of developing disease. For example melanoma is not inherited; but some individuals have an increased risk of developing melanoma. There are many people who inherit the genes that predispose to disease but never develop cancer.
We came up with the family concept idea because our topic demonstrates how we inherit risk factors from our parents. The triangle shaped patterns on the painting represent the genes, cold colors (blue, purple, green, and pink ) representing good genes. The warm colors (red, yellow, and orange) are bad genes which increase our risk for disease. If you have two warm colors then you are at increased risk of developing the disease.
This painting could have a great impact on families with a history of melanoma. Our painting provides the viewer with a visual understanding of Genetic Predisposition. If you have a family history for a disease this information may help you make important life style decisions.