Cell Counting Take the Cryptogram Challenge

Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting

Year Created: 2010

Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting is composed of an image that depicts an array of composite cell types in a field. This is a common situation faced by researchers who need to count not only the number of cells present but also their distinct types. In this image, cells have colors, shapes, and orientations that make the problem more intriguing. Within this array of cells lies an interesting cryptographic message that only the astute observer will discern.

The science of cryptography and the jealousy with which nature guards information have much in common. In cryptography messages are hidden within sources of information using encoding of multiple types. Though the cellular array shown here has beauty, it also represents a cryptic form of information that requires skill in interpretation. The Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting follows six previous online, cipher-based contests— the MicroArray Challenge and five Cryptogram Challenges (Elisa, Elisa Redux, RNAi, RNAi-2, and Electroporation)— that have each enjoyed great success since 2008.

The solution for Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting will require new cryptographic skills relative to the previous challenges. Importantly, we have found that the demands of these Cryptograms have encouraged teams of people to work together in their solution.

The Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting when solved will reveal a brief message that requires a circuitous route to deduce.

Peter C. Johnson, M.D.

Peter C. Johnson, M.D., is the President and CEO of Scintellix, LLC, which applies quantitative decision analytics tools to the process of team development. He is the creator of the popular GEN contest "Microarray Challenge" based on the MicroArray (2008) image and is the author of multiple graphic arts books, scientific books and manuscripts in the fields of thrombosis and tissue engineering. He is also the creator of GEN's last five contests, Cryptogram Challenge based on the "96 Well" (2009) ELISA plate image, Cryptogram Challenge: ELISA Redux based on a related image, Cryptogram Challenge: RNAi and RNAi-2, both transfection-focused contests, and Cryptogram Challenge: Electroporation based on two linked images that illustrate the phenomenon of electroporation for gene control. He formerly practiced reconstructive surgery, founded the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, and co-founded and was CEO of TissueInformatics, Inc. Dr. Johnson is presently the co-editor in chief of the journal Tissue Engineering (Parts A, B, and C). Dr. Johnson serves on multiple boards and is the National Chair of the University of North Carolina Medical Excellence Fund.

About Scintellix, LLC

Scintellix, LLC applies Decide-S3 Analytics™ to solve complex business problems. Decide-S3 Analytics uniquely weaves teams together through the co-generation of quantitative solutions. Decide-S3 Analytics™ can be effectively applied in all forms of strategic planning, board composition analysis, opportunity stratification, as well as to many other challenging areas. Decide-S3 Analytics™ - Making Decisions Digital™

Scintellix, LLC is located in Raleigh, NC. www.scintellix.com

Copyright 2010, Peter C. Johnson, M.D.

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Decode the cipher hidden in Image A below

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Image B is linked to clue 10


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GEN and Scintellix, LLC have formed a partnership to explore the hidden meaning found in biological imagery. The Cryptogram Challenge: Cell Counting is the seventh installation of this partnership.