News, Events and Media

BHF image competition uncovers secrets of the heart.

Leading scientists at theUniversity of Aberdeen have been highly commended for their entry to ‘Reflections of Research’ a national image and video competition run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The entries provide a snapshot of the incredible life-saving work undertaken by heart scientists in the UK.

This June, as part of the BHF’s Support Our Science (SOS) month, the BHF invited its funded scientists – from over 1,000 projects – to submit the most exciting images and videos produced in the course of their work. In SOS month, the BHF showcased the extraordinary achievements of BHF scientists to highlight the existing and potential value of BHF-funded research on UK heart health.

Scientist from the University of Aberdeen were shortlisted for their video - Beating embryonic frog heart by Natalie Gibb.

The winning images and videos were chosen by a panel of experts including Guardian Science Correspondent Alok Jha, renowned anatomist, author and broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts and BHF Medical Director Professor Peter Weissberg.

Alok Jha said of this year’s entries:

“These images are not only objects of curiosity (and who isn't curious about the things inside us that keep us alive?) - they are crucial to helping scientists, doctors and patients to quickly understand how things work (or, sadly, are not working) inside one of our most precious organs."

Professor Alice Roberts said:

“I very much enjoyed judging the images and films this year. The standard of entries was excellent, and it's fascinating to see how visual media like this are helping scientists to understand the structure and function of the body and to communicate this to patients.”

Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director at the BHF said:

“These images and videos allow us to marvel at the complexities and intricacies of the cells and molecules that combine to make our heart and circulation work, as well as appreciate the extraordinarily diverse and exciting work being carried out at BHF funded laboratories. Our scientists work tirelessly to understand more about the heart in order to help heart patients, and, as these pictures show, produce some beautiful images in the process.”

The winning images and videos can be viewed online at bhf.org.uk/reflections

•  Beating embryonic frog heart is visible by eye

  Natalie Gibb

  University of Aberdeen

  This video shows the beating heart of a frog embryo. As the embryo develops in water, not in a womb, the heart is visible to the naked eye making it easier to study. Despite not looking much like people, many of the processes involved in the development of the frog heart at this early stage are similar to humans.

Notes to Editors

For more information please call the BHF press office on 020 7554 0164 or 07764 290 381 (out of office hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk

1. For high res images and movies contact newsdesk@bhf.org.uk
2. All shortlisted images can be viewed here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhforguk/sets/72157630193910912/
3. All shortlisted videos can be viewed here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/bhforguk/sets/72157630192820636/
4. All images have been produced as part of research funded by the BHF
5. For more information about Reflections of Research visit bhf.org.uk/reflections

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease.

For more information visit bhf.org.uk/pressoffice

Issued by the Communications Team, Office of External Affairs, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272014.

Issued on: 17 July 2012

Ref: 207BHF
Contact: Jennifer Phillips