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This week we got the proof for an upcoming article about RPE autofluorescence - although our article isn't out quite yet, in anticipation I'd like to tell you about some fun we've had with the RPE!
First an introduction: RPE = retinal pigment epithelium 
these pigment-filled cells sit between the retina and choroid, where they support retinal function (& are implicated in several visual disorders!)
Here is their location in cake form:
these pigment-filled cells sit between the retina and choroid, where they support retinal function (& are implicated in several visual disorders!)Here is their location in cake form:
Our lab ( @burns_lab) has done some electron microscopy of these very cool cells, and we decided to hang one particularly stunning image in the hallway by our lab 
pro-tip: EM images make fantastic group photo backgrounds!
pro-tip: EM images make fantastic group photo backgrounds!
Knowing many brilliant scientists pass through this hallway, we asked for their input annotating the image!
(Disclaimer: this was long before covid)
(Disclaimer: this was long before covid)
And guys, let me tell you, our incredible colleagues did not disappoint! Take a look at all these items you can find hiding in an RPE cell! 
Snails and carrots!
Potatoes and friendly cell contacts 
The world's smallest spoon and a very excited greeting 
A classic video game character and assorted small animals
Where's Waldo you ask? He's been in the RPE this entire time!
And, plot twist: YOU!
In conclusion: the RPE is awesome, EM is incredible, and I adore all my fellow @ucdavisbiology @UCDavis_Neuro scientists!
Stay tuned for some slightly more rigorous and quantitative investigation of the RPE *coming soon*
Stay tuned for some slightly more rigorous and quantitative investigation of the RPE *coming soon*
