The inspiration for the cover image of the June 20 issue of Biophysical Journal comes from the combined in vivo and in vitro approach that we used in our study. The simulated image and the in vivo image are used as the target and background, respectively. The simulated image can be seen as an enlargement of a certain part of the in vivo image, emphasizing our primary focus of work and facilitating the reader's comprehension of our research background. This cover demonstrates how simulations can offer theoretical analysis and visualization methods for in vivo experiments, resulting in a clearer comprehension of complex physiological phenomena within the body. The combined method of experimentation and simulation can provide effective and feasible technical routes for various research directions to uncover the biophysical principles behind experimental observations.

This cover presents an artistic interpretation of the filtration function of the spleen. The background depicts macrophages and erythrocytes within the spleen cord, where the red color represents erythrocytes and the light blue color signifies macrophages. The objective is to simulate the adhesive dynamics between macrophages and sickle cells. The pillar on the right side symbolizes the endothelial cells within the spleen. Healthy cells can easily pass through the narrow slits, whereas rigid sickle cells and aged cells are filtered out and cleared by macrophages. Through a creative integration of simulated and observed in vivo images, we provide readers with a more realistic depiction of the spleen.

The spleen plays a crucial role in various diseases related to the hematopoietic system in our body, such as hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, chronic leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndrome. The spleen's function varies in different hematological disorders.

— Guansheng Li, Yuhao Qiang, He Li, Xuejin Li, Ming Dao, and George Em Karniadakis