Scientists from the University of Illinois have transformed the findings of experiments and computational models on cell structures into precise 3D models available for exploration in the popular game Minecraft. This initiative, known as CraftCells: A Window Into Biological Cells, allows users to investigate the internal makeup of various cells including bacterial cells, yeast, epithelial cells, healthy chest cells, and cancer cells of the mammary gland.
Within the virtual cells, users can easily navigate, traverse organelle membranes, and analyze their contents. The developers’ goal is to enhance understanding of cell structures for students, researchers, and individuals of all levels. The program is free and compatible with different versions of Minecraft (Java, Bedrock, and Education). It can be downloaded from github.
The research involved professors of chemistry and physics Zaida (ZAN) Luthi-Shulten, bioengineers Stephen Boppart and Rochit Bhargava, alongside graduate students and researchers. The findings have been published in The Biophysicist. CraftCells offers an in-depth exploration of the three-dimensional structure of cells, allowing users to immerse themselves in virtual reality or view it on a regular screen.
Utilizing data with high-resolution microscopic detail, the project showcases key cells with significant implications for science and society. Bacterial cells, for example, lack nuclei with DNA freely floating in the cytoplasm. Meanwhile, breast cancer cells exhibit distinct elongated features with noticeable variations in their core and nucleoli compared to healthy cells, often linked to metastasis and aggressive disease progression.
In CraftCells, users can disable various components to focus on specific structures such as proteins, DNA, or membranes. Notably, bacterial cells feature “American slides” connecting DNA and protein ribbons. The developers plan to include tools for simulating medical procedures like targeting cancer cells for laser ablation.
While programs like NAMD and VMD offer extensive molecular research capabilities, they demand substantial computing resources. CraftCells, on the other hand, provides a user-friendly and accessible platform, making 3D cell exploration available to a broader audience. Future plans involve showcasing different cell states, such as drug effects or yeast ethanol production processes.
The project, developed in collaboration with experts from the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois and supported by the US National Science Foundation, is expected to propel scientific outreach and deepen understanding of critical biological processes through CraftCells.